Nicola Sturgeon praises heart transplant programme on 25-year anniversary
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met heart transplant patients as she marked 25 years of the life-saving procedure in Scotland.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon met heart transplant patients as she marked 25 years of the life-saving procedure in Scotland.
A heart transplant is the only cure for people with heart failure, a condition which affects about 45,000 people across Scotland.
Ms Sturgeon met patients and their families at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, at an event on Friday marking 25 years of the heart transplant service.
More than 350 transplants have been carried out in Scotland they began in 1991 and nearly a quarter of these operations - 80 - have taken place since the Heart and Lung Centre opened at the Golden Jubilee in 2008.
Ms Sturgeon said: "This event is to mark 25 years of Scotland's NHS providing a life-changing procedure - both for the recipient and their families - and it's been a pleasure to meet some of them today and during my time as First Minister and health secretary.
"It would not be possible without the dedicated service of the immensely skilled staff within our health service or those selfless donors who have shown such kindness in giving one of the greatest gifts a person can give, and they all deserve a huge thank you for the part they have played in these last 25 years."
The hospital's chief executive Jill Young said: "Each year we hold an event dedicated to bringing together patients and families who have been treated by the service, letting them share their experiences and see that they are not alone.
"This year, however, is a very special occasion for the NHS in Scotland: celebrating a landmark for this life-changing, life-saving service which has given patients all across Scotland a second chance at life."
Two patients given new hearts 24 years ago were at the event as well as to others who had a transplant this year.