The past year has seen the inaugural SASCI Executive fulfill its mandate to establish a viable independent Working Group within SA Heart Association attending to the many needs of the community of interventional cardiology in South Africa.

The Executive Committee elected to a 2-year term of office ending in 2005 is:

Chairman: Dr Tom Mabin (Education; liaison)
Secretary: Dr Farrel Hellig (Database)
Treasurer: Dr Clive Corbett
Members: Prof Danie Marx (Ethics), Dr Mike Bennet (Guidelines),
Dr Graham Cassel (Industry; congress), Dr Jai Patel (Tariffs), Dr Steve Spilkin, Dr Rob Kleinloog (Surgical), Dr Jeff Harrisberg (Paediatric)
Executive Officer (nominated) Mr George Nel

During the year SASCI have been proactive in all areas of interest. In order to achieve in all areas we appointed a salaried Executive Officer, Mr George Nel. He has been instrumental in assisting us in promoting our activities during the past year.

The database developed by SASCI between Dr F Hellig and Mr T Scott was accepted and adopted by the SA Heart Executive as the official national database and SASCI has remained active in the continuing refinements.

Our aim to promote educational opportunities for our members have seen the establishment of

• Regular regional case presentations and meetings amongst colleagues and staff
• Contributions towards congresses - Mauritius 2003 and 2005; SA Heart 2004 and 2005
• Carotid Stenting Workshop with VASSA 2005
• Establishment of an exchange programme between SA and UK for interventional cardiology registrars.
  

SASCI have broadly adopted the ESC guidelines on interventional procedures but have established a subcommittee to make adaptations according to local needs.

We have established ourselves as the recognised resource for liaison between members and health funders for information on best practice, guidelines and tariff issues.

Industry Representation has assured a close liaison between us and we continue to actively pursue collaboration on issues of common interest. These include facilitation of education resources, advice on device applications, guidelines, liaison with hospital groups etc. We remain very grateful to the industry for the financial support received.

We believe the survival of a strong Working Group in interventional cardiology is in the best interest of all players in the field, physicians, industry vendors, health funders, hospital groups and patients. For this reason, we appeal to all to support SASCI and use us to fulfil all our objectives.

We aim to continue to develop our areas of influence and offer a HELPLINE through our Executive Officer George Nel, whereby any party can access us with enquiries, requests for assistance, lobbying etc. His direct line is 083-4585954. These requests will be dealt with in a professional and efficient manner to provide a vital service to all.

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