KEITH Rofe, Chairman of the 'Keep The Heart in the Hospital Campaign'; a group formed because of concern over the possible erosion of cardiac services at Breconshire War Memorial Hospital has hit out at Powys Local Health Board over what the group sees as broken promises on cardiac care. Mr Rofe told the Brecon and Radnor Express: "After our inaugural meeting in 2003 we were supportive of the new Powys Local Health Board, particularly when public commitments were made on behalf of the board, that by April 2004 a cardiologist would be appointed to Breconshire War Memorial Hospital and also a 'weekly rapid access chest pain clinic' (RACPC), plus heart failure and general out patient clinics, would be established in the hospital. "Now in April 2005 none of these commitments have been realised and there is no prospect of the appointment or the clinics being in place before September or October of this year. "We are disappointed that the public expectations raised by the Local Health Board have not been met." In reply a representatives of Powys Local Health Board said it is keen to reassure heart patients in and around Brecon that new services introduced a year ago are set to be continued – and enhanced – despite the disappointment of not appointing a Consultant Cardiologist. LHB Chief Executive Andy Williams says he is determined to underline the commitment of the Local Health Board to the Breconshire War Memorial Hospital as fulfilling a pivotal role in the local community. His words come at the end of a year in which, he claims, services at the hospital have been increased with a range of promising advances from investment in new facilities, to securing GP cover and more streamlined ways of providing services to best meet the needs of the local population. But Mr Williams admits his disappointment that a second attempt to appoint a Cardiac Consultant has not been successful – although he says that this setback should not detract from the success of the new local pattern of cardiac services. He added: "Huge progress has been made, for example, in implementing a £100,000 investment package that offers a weekly 'rapid access' chest pain clinic, plus heart failure and general out-patient clinics, and thrombolysis in the Minor Injury Unit. "Another positive step already in place and continuing in the light of positive feedback is that patients who need to be admitted to Nevill Hall no longer have to go through Accident and Emergency but can be transferred directly to the specialist Coronary Care Unit (CCU). "Brecon staff have also been taking part for some time in specialist joint training with the cardiac team at Nevill Hall Hospital, and this integrated approach helps provide continuity and cover for patients. The appointment of a cardiologist would have been the final piece in this overall plan to provide a first-class cardiac service from Brecon linked to services at Nevill Hall." In the meantime, the LHB is calling all parties – including local GPs, 'Keep the Heart in the Hospital' campaign group, League of Friends, Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust and the Welsh Ambulance Trust - together next month to discuss the best way forward. Andy Williams added that he recognised that news that no appointment has been made would dishearten local campaigners but "commitment to the hospital remains as strong as ever." "I think it would be a real shame if this episode were allowed to derail the great work and progress that's been made at this important hospital. I want local people to know that the LHB is continuing to work hard to ensure that everyone in Powys has ready access to effective and efficient healthcare services that meet rigorous national standards. There is no doubt that the support of the local community has allowed us to push to increase activity in Breconshire War Memorial Hospital and I hope people will continue to back us as they have in the past." The LHB also said that other recent developments concerning the hospital demonstrate the LHB's commitment to services and include: - An increase in day surgery at Brecon through partnership work with Swansea NHS Trust - Exploring similar partnership options with North Glamorgan NHS Trust to provide even more surgical services locally - Appointment of a Matron to provide clinical leadership alongside GPs and Consultants - Successful bid for 'Wanless' funds for capital development - Development of proposals for refurbishment and relocation of departments within the hospital to provide modern, streamlined services - Agreement with local GPs about the in-hours cover for the hospital, ensuring continuity and quality of local services - New arrangement to secure out of hours cover at the hospital.
