Alan McCarthy, chair, with the Rt Hon Lord Astor of Hever PC DL
The Rt Hon Lord Astor of Hever PC DL, a former cardiology patient, opened the new Surrey and Sussex Heart Centre at East Surrey Hospital on Thursday 25 February.
The new Centre brings together expert cardiology care for local people with a coronary care unit, cardiology ward, day-case area and new state-of-the-art cardiac catherisation laboratory suite of specialist technology to help treat patients with heart conditions or who have experienced a heart attack.
Lord Astor, who was cared for by the cardiology team at East Surrey Hospital following a heart attack in 2008, said:
“I was delighted to be asked to open the new Centre and pleased to have the opportunity to see the new areas and specialist equipment that is being used to care for heart patients. I am indebted to the cardiology team for the expert care they gave me following my heart attack – it is good to see that this expertise and care continues to evolve and to hear more about the difference this makes for patients.”
Michael Wilson, chief executive at Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said:
“The new facilities and state-of-the-art equipment at the Centre means that our teams of doctors, nurses and therapists can provide more advanced specialist care for patients – giving them the, often urgent, care they need in a purpose built and equipped area.
“I am honoured that Lord Astor kindly agreed to come and open the Surrey and Sussex Heart Centre and to mark this special occasion.”
Each year over 1,600 patients are cared for by the team – as inpatients and day cases with many thousands also in follow-up appointments in our out-patient clinics.
Michael Wilson concluded:
“I am delighted that we are able to continue to develop the expertise and specialist care closer to home for local people.”
