The care professionals: Cardiology

Jul 8 2008 by The Journal

THE new architect designed cardiology department at South Tyneside District Hospital makes the best use of light and space combined with superb state-of-the-art equipment and a highly skilled team to provide top quality services for heart disease.

Developed at a cost of more than 1.1m, the unit is designed to make a real difference to heart disease which is a major problem in South Tyneside.

Led by consultant cardiologist Dr Abdul Nasser the team have overseen the local development of a number of services for which patients previously had to travel elsewhere.

The unit provides a rapid access chest pain clinic, for the early assessment and diagnosis of heart problems. Together with Dr Raj Mohindra, consultant cardiologist who specialises in heart failure, Dr Nasser provides a full range of heart services including specialist treatments such as angiography and pacemaker insertion which were not previously available locally.

The team has an expert team of cardiographers, highly-skilled technical staff and specialist heart disease nurses. Supported by investment in the very best equipment available, it’s easy to see why this is such a highly regarded local service.

The team have also benefited from the tireless work of local fundraiser Syd Nicholson and his team of Heartcall volunteers who over the years have donated hundreds of thousands of pounds for equipment.

Nothing stands still however and the team are always looking to the future shape of heart services and planning to make sure that they rise to the challenges ahead.