Convenient Care, Right Where You Are: Stratford's New Pacemaker Clinic

L-R: Taylor Good, Cardiovascular Technologist, St. Mary's, Judy Liwanpo, Account Manager, Medtronic, Kathy Neuert, Clinic Volunteer, Paul Neuert, Program Manager, Cardiodiagnostics, Heart Rhythm Clinics & DDC, St. Mary's

Kicking off the New Year, St. Mary’s General Hospital and the YMCA of Three Rivers' Stratford location are partnering to open a new pacemaker clinic. Starting on January 8, the Stratford location will offer pacemaker patients a more convenient option for remote monitoring closer to home. The launch of the Stratford pacemaker clinic builds on a decade-long partnership between St. Mary’s and the YMCA focused on improving patients’ access to care. 

St. Mary’s and the YMCA of Three Rivers have cultivated an ongoing partnership since 2014 and share a commitment to person-centered care and community through programs and services. These satellite clinics allow pacemaker patients in the local community to reduce travel and related expenses by providing access to a convenient and innovative health care option in the local community. "Building on the success of our initial collaboration in Guelph, we are excited to expand our partnership with St. Mary’s to bring their innovative remote monitoring program to our Stratford location,” says Crystal Hughes, Director of Wellness at the YMCA of Three Rivers. “This partnership, which began over a decade ago, has proven to be a valuable resource for individuals seeking access to personalized healthcare and support. The YMCA remains committed to providing welcoming, accessible spaces where community members feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being. We look forward to growing this program as we continue to meet the needs of our members and the community.”  

A pacemaker is a small, battery-powered device that regulates or enhances the heartbeat. They are?commonly used to treat heart conditions, with more than 70 per cent of pacemaker recipients being 65 years of age or older. In the past, some patients faced journeys of up to 1.5 hours to have their devices checked at the Hospital. Now, with this new service at the Stratford YMCA, the Device Clinic at St. Mary’s will identify eligible patients and contact them with the option to have their pacemaker checked closer to home, reducing the number of visits they will need to make to the Hospital’s Device Clinic by about half. 

“This program highlights the convenience of providing hospital-level care closer to home, reducing barriers and ensuring care is equitable and accessible for all our patients,” says Paul Neuert, Program Manager, Cardiodiagnostics, Heart Rhythm Clinics and Diagnostics Day Clinic.  

Check-up appointments at satellite clinics, such as the one at the Guelph and Stratford YMCAs, are easy and painless, taking an average of 5 to 10 minutes to complete. Trained volunteers use a patient connector attached to a tablet to securely transmit patients’ pacemaker data to be reviewed by a cardiovascular technologist at St. Mary’s Device Clinic. After the clinic reviews the information, patients can arrange follow-up visits, if required.  

The opening of the Stratford clinic is just in time for Heart Month. Happening every February, Heart Month provides the opportunity to talk about heart health. As home to the Regional Cardiac Care Centre (RCCC), St. Mary's provides full-circle care for 1.4 million residents spanning Waterloo-Wellington, Haldimand-Norfolk, and Perth, Grey-Bruce, Huron, Brant, and Oxford Counties. From preventative care to state-of-the-art cardiac procedures, patients receive the highest-quality care possible close to home. 

To learn more about heart health at St. Mary’s: 

• Heart Rhythm Program 

• Cardiac Clinics 

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Media Contact 

Victoria Ott
Integrated Director, Strategic Engagement
Grand River Hospital & St. Mary’s General Hospital  
victoria.ott@grhosp.on.ca 
519-588-4698 

About St. Mary’s General Hospital 

Located in the heart of Kitchener, St. Mary’s General Hospital is home to the Regional Cardiac Centre, Regional Chest Program and Regional Eye Program. As leaders in our field recognized globally for world-class, innovative healthcare, our vision of “Inspiring Excellence. Healthier Together” is not just about our approach to patient-centred care, it’s also about our commitment to our staff. Celebrating a century of care this year, St. Mary’s provides compassionate care to our community serving over 1.4 residents locally and beyond each year. We are the second-largest acute care hospital in the St. Joseph’s Health System with a team of over 2,000 staff, physicians and volunteers dedicated to ensuring patients receive the highest-quality care possible. Learn more about Our Mission, Values & History. smgh.ca | Instagram @stmarysgeneralhospital | YouTube: SMGH | Facebook and LinkedIn: St. Mary’s General Hospital 

About Grand River Hospital 

Grand River Hospital is building a world-class health system for all in the communities we serve. One of Ontario’s largest community teaching hospitals, we’re delivering exceptional, patient-focused quality care by a team of dedicated healthcare workers and volunteers. Located in one of the province’s most diverse and rapidly growing regions, we provide services and support to more than 840,000 residents of Waterloo Region and Guelph Wellington at our two campuses (KW and Freeport) and satellite locations. Driven by innovation, we’re proud of our partnerships and collaborations with health system partners, our region’s academic and innovation communities, and diverse community partners. grhosp.on.ca | Instagram @grhospitalkw | YouTube: griverhosp | Facebook and LinkedIn: Grand River Hospital 

YMCA of Three Rivers 

The YMCA of Three Rivers proudly serves the communities of Guelph-Wellington, Stratford-Perth, and Waterloo Region. As a charity, our mission is to make our diverse communities healthier and more vibrant. With dignity and respect, our programs and services inspire individuals to reach their full potential. Learn more at?ymcathreerivers.ca.