Inpatient Care and Services

The inpatient medical unit cares for individuals with a variety of conditions, such as stroke, diabetes, geriatric syndromes, cardiac and lung disease. Patients on this unit are cared for by a multi-disciplinary team.

Cardiac Care

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for Canadians. Heart disease includes angina (chest pain), arrhythmias (an abnormal heart rhythm), valve disorders, heart failure and many other conditions.

Headwaters' Cardiac Care Program with Southlake

HHCC and Southlake Regional Health Centre’s Cardiac Care Program have a signed agreement to provide around-the-clock access to a comprehensive range of heart procedures. Headwaters’ cardiac patients receive timely access to specialized care at Southlake.

A patient suffering from a heart attack can be treated and stabilized in Headwaters’ Emergency Department, immediately transferred to Southlake for a procedure such as angioplasty (to remove a blockage) and returned to Headwaters for follow-up care.

Southlake offers a comprehensive cardiac program including: cardiac catherization, which is used to evaluate how well the heart is functioning and to obtain information about blockages; percutaneous coronary intervention (angioplasty) for patients with blocked coronary arteries but for whom surgery is not necessary; bypass and valve surgery; and a nationally recognized arrhythmia program that treats or cures irregular heart rhythms.

Cardiac Diagnostic Testing

Headwaters has invested in cardiac diagnostic testing equipment to offer: Holter monitoring and loop recorders that measure a patient’s heartbeat over a period of time.

Cardiovascular Ultrasound uses echocardiography system to provide images of the workings of a heart. This test allows a physician to study the size and shape of the heart muscle and evaluate its function, valves, and the flow of blood through the heart.

Note: Ultrasound tests require booked appointments. The Diagnostic Imaging (ultrasound) Department appointments can be booked by calling (519) 941.2410. A signed physician referral is required for all ultrasound tests.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Patients recovering from an acute cardiac event are referred by their physician to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

The 12-week program consists of education and exercise components and brings together a variety of medical resources and specialties, including Registered Dieticians, Pharmacists, Nurses, Physiotherapists and the Ontario Telemedicine Network to help patients achieve heart health and learn about the importance of physical activity.