Seven health care professionals of the North Central Regional Health Authority have received training to perform echocardiograms.

This information comes from the NCRHA days after complaints were publicly raised at a town hall meeting about wait times for echocardiograms.

In a media release, the Authority says there has been a 70% increase in cardiology clinic patient visits in 2023.

As such, it identified the need for an increase in the number of echo technicians months ago and sent seven staff members for training.

The NCRHA notes that the root cause of cardiac disease is non-adherence to healthy behaviours and habits, and adds that several interventions have been put in place including its Wellness Club and a Cardiac Primary Care Clinic.

(Photo credit: health.gov.tt)