Hospital’s heart unit treats first patient for chest pains

Chris Large, 58, of Slaithwaite, was fitted with a heart stent at Calderdale Royal Hospital on Monday, August 1 – and went home the next day.

The percutaneous coronary intervention service (or angioplasty) means that Huddersfield and Calderdale residents do not need to travel to Leeds for the procedure.

Mr Large, a gardener, had been suffering with chest pain and was referred to the rapid access chest pain clinic at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

An angiogram highlighted the source of the problem – the narrowing of an artery – and three days later he underwent the procedure to help widen the artery and increase blood supply and oxygen to his heart.

He said: “It was all very straightforward and not daunting. It only took about 20 minutes and all I felt was a slight tightening of my chest and the catheter being inserted into my wrist.

“I have seen the cardiac rehabilitation team to discuss ‘do’s and don’ts’ and I should fairly quickly get back to normal.”

Sister Andrea Gillespie, of the coronary angiography service, said most heart patients who need angioplasty will be able to use the service, with only the more complex cases travelling to Leeds.

“We are really pleased with how out first day went,” she said.

The procedures will be carried out three days a week by a team of three consultants – Dr Simon Grant, Dr Julian Winter and Dr Jeremy Butt, who will soon join the team.