24 June 2008

Minister opens new heart unit at Craigavon Area Hospital

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today officially opened a new state of the art heart diagnosis and treatment centre at Craigavon Area Hospital.

The £2.6million facility includes a theatre, dedicated day procedure ward and a research unit. Procedures carried out include diagnostic cardiac catheterisation (angiography) and percutaneous intervention (stent insertion/balloon procedure).

Procedures which currently have to be carried out in Belfast such as implanting pacemakers and defibrillators will also be available in the cath lab next year.

Dr David McEneaney, Lead Consultant Cardiologist said: “Our new cardiac catheterisation laboratory is unique in Northern Ireland as it incorporates a state of the art cardiac catheterisation suite, dedicated cardiac day procedure unit and a cardiovascular research unit. “

Dr Ian Menown, Consultant Cardiologist, and Director of Invasive Cardiology added, “We are extremely pleased with the new cardiac catheterisation facility which enables us to undertake complex cardiology procedures using the latest medical technologies. Earlier this week, Craigavon was the first cardiac centre in the UK and Ireland, as part of a European study, to implant a new type of stent with a biodegradable coating on the surface, designed to improve patient outcomes.”

The cath lab has been partially funded through a £300,000 donation by the Craigavon Cardiac Care Association (CCCA). Mrs Philomena Hagan, Chair of the CCCA said: “We are delighted to be involved with this important new service. It is the biggest project that the Association has supported during its 30 year history. We have worked hard for the development of locally accessible services for patients with heart problems and are delighted to be present at the official opening today.”

Chief Executive of the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Mr Colm Donaghy said” The Southern Health and Social Services Board and the Department of Health have worked closely with us on this project and we are committed to providing services as close to the community as possible and this is undoubtedly a major boost for local health care.”

The Cath Lab, opened in December 2007 and this year has treated 649 patients.