Committee gives Trust heart

The North Staffordshire Heart Committee have now raised a staggering 5 million pounds to combat heart problems. The latest donation of 191,500 pounds will go towards the 500,000 pound cost of a hospital laboratory where people have a range of life-saving procedures and faster treatment for many more cardiac patients. This latest addition now means that University Hospital of North Staffordshire has three cardiac laboratories.

Dr John Creamer, senior cardiologist, said: "With the help of the North Staffs Heart Committee, the department has undergone considerable development to keep abreast of the rapid improvements in the treatment. This has led to a significant reduction in death rates and shorter hospital stays. It has helped us keep the emphasis on rapid diagnosis and prompt intervention to ensure patients are restored to health and returned home with the minimum delay."

The Trust treats 4,000 patients a year for suspected heart attacks. The laboratory is used for a new procedure called angioplasty which unblocks arteries by passing a wire supporting a small balloon through the groin.

Tony Berry, North Staffordshire Heart Committee chairman said: "This is money given by North Staffordshire people to help North Staffordshire patients in a department which must have the tightest team of experts in this whole hospital. Our aim has been to provide the equipment to enable them to push forward barriers in cardiac care so it is at the cutting edge nationally and internationally."

Julia Bridgewater, Trust chief executive, said: "I cannot thank the committee enough for their generosity for this department which has amazing clinicians and back-up teams. I know any of my family can come here and get the best treatment available anywhere."