Extra 2,000 heart patients helped in Salisbury thanks to Stars Appeal
A fourth echocardiogram machine was introduced at Salisbury District Hospital in March 2024
An extra 2,000 heart patients have received a faster diagnosis at Salisbury District Hospital thanks to a new state-of-the-art echocardiogram machine.
The machine, which was funded by the Stars Appeal, is the fourth at the hospital's Cardiac Investigation Unit (CIU).
It arrived last March at a cost of £142,000 and uses ultrasound to show a detailed image of a patient’s heart, detecting any abnormalities or serious heart conditions, providing doctors with the best images possible to help them give their diagnosis.
85-year-old David Richard is among the thousands to have used the machine, having been admitted to hospital following a heart attack last year.
He said: “It was very good having the latest equipment. It is an incredible machine which was able to show that my heart was not seriously damaged. I had excellent care with remarkable, hi-tech equipment that was provided by the Stars Appeal, which I am very grateful for."
Ian Hilton is another to have benefited from the new technology.
Ian, who's in his 60s, was diagnosed with a heart valve problem and has had his condition monitored using echocardiogram machines.
He said: “I’m very grateful to the Stars Appeal and everyone who supports the charity who contributed towards this echocardiogram machine which has not only helped me but will help all the people using it in the future.
"When you’re in my position and have a problem with your heart you want your doctors to have this modern diagnostic technology. This machine increases their diagnostic capabilities and gives them the best tools to treat patients like me.”
Consultant Cardiologist and Stars Appeal Ambassador Dr Susie Lewis said: "Thank you to everyone who supports the Stars Appeal whose donations have helped fund this amazing equipment. It is helping us deliver the best cardiology care to our patients. Having this additional echocardiogram machine has given us extra capacity so we can see more patients, which is reducing the time people are having to wait for a scan.”