McGimpsey opens new £2.6million cardiac facility at Craigavon

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey today officially opened a new £2.6million cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Craigavon Area Hospital.

The new development, which is part of a £35million programme of investment at Craigavon over the next three years, will enable more patients to receive a wider range of cardiac procedures locally.

The new state of the art facility will offer a range of diagnostic and treatment procedures including the insertion of stents and pacemakers previously only available in Belfast. Not only do local people benefit but the additional capacity also relieves pressure on the other units improving access for cardiac patients throughout Northern Ireland.

Opening the centre Michael McGimpsey said: “Heart disease is a leading cause of death in Northern Ireland and responsive cardiology and cardiac services are essential if we are to successfully tackle this disease. This new state of the art facility is making a much valued contribution to that work. This investment along with the £12million I announced yesterday for cardiovascular services will have a significant impact on developing better services and will consequently improve the health of people at risk from cardiovascular disease.

“I’ve been very impressed not only by the quality of this wonderful new facility but also by the professionalism and enthusiasm of all the staff here who work so hard to enhance the patient experience and improve clinical outcomes.

"It is obvious that the staff here have a real focus and dedication to the needs of patients and I am pleased to be able to open this unit which enables them to continue their important work in a much improved environment.”

The new catheterisation lab is fully integrated with the regional cardiac network and will provide for an additional 700 cardiac procedures and cardiological interventions.

Notes to Editors:

1. Cardiac surgery is only performed at Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital.
2. Inpatient cardiology is provided at Altnagelvin, Antrim, Belfast City, Causeway, Craigavon, Mater, Royal Victoria, Ulster and Whiteabbey Hospitals.
3. The new unit is an integrated catheterisation laboratory, day procedure ward and research facility. This improvement means that greater numbers of patients can be treated and a wider range of procedures are available. Some treatment processes including the insertion of stents and pacemakers were previously only available in Belfast. Implanting pacemakers and defibrillators will be available in 2009.
4. Media enquiries to DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0571. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.