A new pathway of care for treating patients who require emergency treatment after a heart attack will be introduced for people in North East Lincolnshire this month. 

The new treatment is being launched for patients who have had a specific type of heart attack, known as an ST elevation myocardial infarction. This is to make sure that people get the best treatment for their condition as quickly as possible and that they have the best possible outcome after their heart attack. 

Timely intervention is essential, when individuals are assessed by the ambulance following a 999 call, if they meet the criteria to be considered for the new treatment, Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) they will be transported straight to the new specialist treatment centre at Castle Hill Hospital, Hull.  

The procedure aims to unblock the relevant arteries and, in comparison to an elective angioplasty, can prevent some of the damage to the heart by treating the problem at the time of the heart attack and thus minimising the damage incurred.   

Dr Paul Twomey, medical director/clinical director for the Lincs2Care commissioning group, said: “The introduction of this quicker treatment for patients suffering a heart attack is based on evidence from the British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS).  

“Research shows that this new treatment is more clinically and cost effective than current thrombolysis treatment when administered within clinically agreed timescales. 

“This new treatment will complement the other excellent cardiology services provided by the team in Grimsby.” 

For more information about the new service please contact the Care Trust Plus Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on (01472) 625222 or visit the website www.nelctp.nhs.uk