WILLIAM GRAHAM ROYAL GWENT NEEDS ENHANCED CORONARY SERVICES 

William Graham (Conservative AM for South Wales East) responding to the news that the Aneurin Bevan Health Board proposes to expand Royal Gwent cardiology services to include angioplasty surgery.  

My conversations with the Health Minister indicate she (Edwina Hart) would look with interest at the business case for enhancing the cardiology services at the Royal Gwent. 

 We all appreciate that funding is a major factor in the provision of this service, but we must also acknowledge the high incidents of coronary disease through South Wales and the fact that everyday 19 people in Wales suffer a heart attack. 

Angioplasty involves inserting a balloon catheter to widen the narrowed artery, after which a metallic stent is inserted to maintain the width. 

I am aware of the additional stress caused to patients and their families by the delays arising from the current need to be transferred to the University Hospital in Cardiff for treatment.  

Another consequence of an aging population is that more people are developing coronary and circulation problems. Whilst it is vital we encourage people to adopt more healthy lifestyles; it is equally important that we maximise access to the most efficient treatment. Enhancing coronary services at the Royal Gwent will allow for more effective outpatients provision and follow-up appointments.