Cardiac centre at heart of research appeal

DEPUTY Prime Minister Nick Clegg was close to his home constituency in Sheffield yesterday to officially launch the new South Yorkshire heart appeal.

During his visit, Mr Clegg toured the South Yorkshire cardiothoracic centre – one of the two beneficiaries of the appeal – and spoke to patients.

The heart appeal's principal fundraiser Carol Denton said: "It is a hugely important cause given the prevalence of heart disease generally, but particularly in South Yorkshire, and we are hopeful that following such a fantastic launch we will be able to raise significant funds to further improve the care of patients from across the region."

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South Yorkshire cardiothoracic centre general manager Marie McKenniff added: "To continue to offer the people of South Yorkshire and beyond the very best in medical care it is essential that our service is at the forefront of advances in treatment, care and research.

"The South Yorkshire heart appeal will raise funds to support a variety of innovative projects including the purchase of new cutting edge equipment, world-class research, and improvements and enhancements to the patient environment."

The funds will go to the South Yorkshire cardiothoracic centre and the National Institute of Health Services cardiovascular biomedical research unit, both based at the Northern General Hospital.

The centre serves 30,000 out patients each year from across South Yorkshire. About 1,300 open heart surgery operations are performed there every year.

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The NHS said the funds would help reduce the odds of death from heart disease and ensure the people of South Yorkshire and beyond continue to receive the very best specialist care.

Trade union members also used Mr Clegg's visit as a chance to demonstrate outside the hospital in protest against public spending cuts.