MSP’s concern over heart care

Oct 24 2008 by Cheryl McEvoy, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

HEART attack patients in Ayrshire could be given revolutionary treatment known to cut deaths by around a third.

Anyone suffering a serious attack will be taken straight to a specialist unit at East Kilbride for the new treatment – provided they’re not more than 40 minutes away.

This week MSP Cathy Jamieson asked for assurances that patients living in rural communities won’t be disadvantaged by the decision.

She said: “Whilst welcoming the introduction of this new resource for heart attack patients, I have raised concerns on behalf of those constituents, particularly in South Carrick, who are outwith the optimal travel time, and will therefore have potentially a limited access to the Optimal Reperfusion service.”

The new service will be introduced in January and is known to cut reinfarction by over a half and reduce strokes by about two thirds. It can also cut deaths but around a third within the first six months.

Patients outwith the 40-minute journey time to Hairmyers Hospital will receive clot-busting treatment from a paramedic before being taken directly to the specialist centre for further treatment

The MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley added: “I understand that NHS Ayrshire and Arran has stated that the travel time for treatment may be extended to 60 minutes based on new clinical evidence. I would therefore ask the health board to look at this is a matter of urgency, and ensure that the maximum number of people can benefit from the best possible service.”

Towns including Maybole, Girvan and Cumnock are more than 40 minutes away from Hairmyers as are Ballantrae, Dailly, Patna, Dalmellington and Muirkirk villages.