ONE of Dorset's leading heart consultants has welcomed a new report which questions Britain's ability to cope with its growing coronary heart disease problem.
Consultant cardiologist Dr Andrew McLeod admitted that although this area had good facilities, many lacked the most up-to-date equipment.
The report by the British Cardiac Society and Royal College of Physicians warns that services for cardiac patients are poor although the UK has one of the highest rates of coronary heart disease in the world.
Staff shortages, delays and patchiness in the delivery of services are also highlighted as major concerns.
Last month Poole Hospital opened a new £2m eight-bedded coronary care unit, the first phase of an NHS-funded cardiac department.
But equipping the unit will depend largely on the success of the Valentine Fund which aims to raise £300,000.
Dr McLeod believes the hospital should not have to rely on charity.
A spokeswoman for the Bournemouth Royal Hospital said patients were benefiting from a Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic.
But she admitted: "It is increasingly difficult to find investment for services to support patients with other heart conditions."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article