Newfoundland and Labrador Health services is outlining what it’s calling “significant strides” in improving cardiac procedures throughout the province.

Over the last two years, the health authority says the program has resulted in a 22 per cent increase in cardiac surgeries, a 10 per cent increase in isolated coronary artery bypass surgeries, and a 64 per cent increase in transcatheter aortic valve implantation procedures.

NLHS credits the creation of a Provincial Cardiovascular and Stroke Program with the jump in numbers.

They say the procedures have been provided through updated staffing models, updated procedures and protocols, and successful recruitment initiatives.

Dr. Frederic Paulin, interim clinical chief of the Cardiovascular and Stroke Program, says the steady rate of surgeries speaks to the “success (they) have had in building their team of cardiac surgeons, perfusionists, and nurses” and their efforts to diversify their skillsets.