New 24hr unitfor heart probs

The ‘Transforming Your Care’ shake-up of health care - currently out for consultation - suggests the introduction of a new 24 hour emergency primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) service at Altnagelvin Hospital.

UUP MLA Tom Elliott expressed concern that proposed enhanced cardiology services at Altnagelvin will lead to a reduction in cardiology services at the new South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) in Enniskillen.

But Mr Poots stated that: “It is not a reduction in the service in SWAH. It will mean improved care pathways with cardiologists in SWAH able to bring their patients to Altnagelvin; provide PCI; and support their return to SWAH and home.”