Appeal for heart test machine launched

The Heart of York Appeal is aiming to raise 50,656 to fund a 2D Echocardiograph machine for York Hospital to cut patient queues for scans from six to three weeks.

The equipment looks at the structure of the patient's heart using high frequency sound. It provides extremely accurate and detailed information about the heart, resulting in more accurate and faster diagnoses.

Appeal Manager Fiona Turner said: "Heart disease is the UK's biggest killer and we need you to help us to reach this target to buy this equipment for the people of York.

"This vital initiative can only be made possible through your donations of time and money and there are so many ways you can fund raise for us from organising a coffee morning to jumping from an aeroplane.

"We are delighted to be raising money for such an important part of the hospital and I hope everyone will get on board and support us."

Consultant Cardiologist Dr Nigel Durham added: "The cardiology department in York perform over 6,000 echocardiograms each year and we continue to have an increased demand to investigate and assess patients who may have suspected heart problems.

"The new machine will enable patients to be seen more quickly and we will be able to treat them faster which will ultimately saves lives."

It would also mean children and adults would not have to go to Leeds for heart scans.

The appeal will be launched at the Cardiac Department at The York Hospital on Thursday at 5pm. For more information contact 01623 624558 or email [email protected]