Medical equipment helps thousands of extra patients

Lilly-Mae Messenger
BBC News
Reporting fromWiltshire
Salisbury District Hospital The cardiac investigation unit standing with the new echocardiogram machine. The first three people from the left are wearing blue scrubs and the two men on the right are wearing regular clothes. The machine is in the centre of the photo showing a scan of a heart in black and white.Salisbury District Hospital
The cardiac investigation unit are able to see more patients, more quickly to give earlier diagnoses

Equipment funded by a hospital appeal has gone on to help 2,000 extra heart patients in its first year.

An echocardiogram machine, which was paid for by donations to the Stars Appeal, helped patients receive quicker diagnoses at Salisbury District Hospital.

It cost £142,000 and uses ultrasound to show a detailed image of patients' hearts which could be used to detect abnormalities and heart conditions.

Hospital staff said as a result of the new equipment, they were able to see 40 more patients a week, meaning they had shorter waiting times.

David Richards, 85, used the machine when he was admitted to hospital after having a heart attack last year.

He said: "It is an incredible machine which was able to show that my heart was not seriously damaged.

Ian Hilton, who is in his 60s, was diagnosed with a heart valve problem and had his condition monitored using echocardiogram machines.

He said: "When you're in my position and have a problem with your heart you want your doctors to have this modern diagnostic technology.

He added the machines increased their diagnostic capabilities and "gives them the best tools to treat patients" like him.

Salisbury District Hospital Dr Susie Lewis standing next to an echocardiogram machine. It has a computer screen displaying images of a patient's heart in black and white. Dr Susie is wearing blue scrubs, a lanyard and a stethoscope.Salisbury District Hospital
Dr Susie Lewis gave thanks to anyone who contributed to funding the new machine

Consultant Cardiologist and Stars Appeal Ambassador Dr Susie Lewis said: "Thank you to everyone who supports the Stars Appeal whose donations have helped fund this amazing equipment.

It is helping us deliver the best cardiology care to our patients."

The Stars Appeal will be holding a free-to-enter sponsored walk on 6 July at Wilton House, Wiltshire.

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