“Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege,” says Dr. Nadeem. “By bringing these services closer to home, we’re breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the care they deserve.”

Healthcare is at its best when it is accessible, equitable, and of the highest quality. For communities in need, this means bringing essential services closer to home, ensuring that no one has to face unnecessary delays or barriers to life-saving care. At Humber River Health, we are on a mission to transform cardiac care by establishing a state-of-the-art Cardiac Catheterization (Cath) Lab and expanding our device clinic to include an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) program. 

“Our goal is simple: to bring the highest standard of cardiac care closer to home for the communities we serve,” says Dr. Syed Najaf Nadeem, Chief of Cardiology at Humber River Health. “Too many of our patients face the burden of being transferred to other hospitals for critical procedures. This creates dangerous delays, adds stress to families, and fragments the quality of care. We can—and must—do better.” 

Humber River Health’s cardiology department is one of the busiest in Ontario, serving over 17,000 patients annually. Despite this high volume, the lack of complete cardiac emergency care means that many patients must be transferred to other hospitals for diagnostic tests and catheterization procedures. For patients experiencing cardiac emergencies, this can be life-threatening. 

“Time is everything in cardiology,” says Dr. Nadeem. “When a patient is having a heart attack, every minute counts. Delays in treatment can lead to irreversible damage to the heart muscle, longer hospital stays, and even loss of life.” 

“A Cardiac Cath Lab is the backbone of any comprehensive cardiac program,” says Dr. Nadeem. “It allows us to diagnose blockages, open arteries, and treat complex heart conditions right here in our community.”

The ripple effects of these delays extend beyond the patient. Families are often forced to travel long distances to be with their loved ones, adding emotional and financial strain during an already difficult time. “It’s not just about the patient—it’s about the entire family,” says Dr. Nadeem. “We need to make care more accessible, not just for the patient’s health, but for the well-being of their support system.” 

The solution lies in establishing a Cardiac Cath Lab, allowing Humber to perform life-saving diagnostic tests and interventions on-site, eliminating the need for transfers, and ensuring faster, safer care for our patients. “A Cardiac Cath Lab is the backbone of any comprehensive cardiac program,” says Dr. Nadeem. “It allows us to diagnose blockages, open arteries, and treat complex heart conditions right here in our community.” 

Humber has already taken significant steps toward bringing essential cardiac care closer to home, starting with the implementation of Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs). “An ICD can be the difference between life and death for patients with certain heart conditions,” says Dr. Nadeem. “By offering this program at Humber River Health, we’re not only saving lives—we’re also giving patients and their families peace of mind.” 

As our population ages, the demand for cardiac services continues to grow. “We’re seeing more patients than ever before, and their needs are becoming increasingly complex,” says Dr. Nadeem. “Without the right infrastructure, we risk falling behind in meeting these needs. A Cardiac Cath Lab and expanded device clinic will ensure that we’re prepared to navigate this evolving landscape.” 

Localized treatment is not just about convenience—it’s about equity. “Healthcare should be a right, not a privilege,” says Dr. Nadeem. “By bringing these services closer to home, we’re breaking down barriers and ensuring that everyone in our community has access to the care they deserve. This is especially important for vulnerable populations who may face additional challenges in accessing healthcare.” 

Healthcare lives when we bring the highest standards of care to those who need it most. With donor support, we can make this vision a reality. Upgrades to our cardiac care services will not only enhance our ability to diagnose and treat heart conditions but also position Humber River Health as a leader in cardiac care in Ontario. “We have the expertise, the dedication, and the drive to make this happen,” says Dr. Nadeem. “What we need now is the support of our community to bring this vision to life.” 

Cardiac Cath Lab

Unfortunately, without a Cath Lab, Humber’s Cardiology Program is unable to treat patients on site forcing them to be transferred to another Hospital. A Cath Lab at Humber means less stress from transfers and long waits for our patients. Help us to bring essential cardiac services closer to home. For more information, please contact Caterina Margisano.