West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie has welcomed the news that Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride is to become the centre for serious heart attacks for Ayrshire.
At the moment, the first line of treatment for most heart attack patients is a clot busting drug but research has shown emergency angioplasties increase the chance of survival and cut the risk of further heart attacks and strokes. It is recommended patients undergo a angioplasty within 90 minutes of failing ill. Some 600 heart patients will be sent to Hairmyres each year under the new scheme.
"I am encouraged by plans for Hairmyres Hospital in East Kilbride to become the centre for serious heart attacks for Ayrshire. It very good news that all patients will now be given the best possible treatment available. This type of treatment will increase the chance of survival and cut the risk of further heart attacks and strokes.
"My only concern with the new heart centre is that it will mean longer journey times travelling to hospital for patients.
"It is recommended patients undergo a primary angioplasty within 90 minutes of falling ill. As long as the excess travelling times do not affect the safety of the patients, I fully support the new heart centre in East Kilbride.