A BEAUTIFUL heart-shaped cake had pride of place at the Luton & Dunstable Hospital’s cardiac centre appeal launch on Valentine’s Day.
CEO Pauline Philip ceremonially cut the cake which also marked the 72nd anniversary of the hospital, which was opened by Queen Mary on February 14, 1939.
There was a carnival atmosphere as staff tucked into cup cakes and dressed up to celebrate ‘Wear a heart’ day. The event was also well supported by volunteers, patients and visitors.
More than £600 was raised towards the £1 million appeal which will help buy new equipment like cardiac monitors.
The hospital has already pledged more than £5 million to build and equip a new cardiac centre which will benefit the thousands of local patients who currently have to go to other centres for coronary investigations.
Consultant cardiologist Dr Christopher Travill is enthusiastic about the proposed development and fundraising campaign.
He said: “The whole cardiology team is very excited at the prospect of having a cardiac catheterisation laboratory at the L&D. “The new facility will allow us to offer comprehensive specialist service so that our patients can avoid lengthy journeys elsewhere for treatments such as coronary angiograms, coronary angioplasty and stenting and the implantation of permanent pacemakers and defibulators.
“The fundraising appeal will help us to purchase additional equipment and create a relaxing environment to benefit our patients.”
Luton already has a high level of coronary heart disease and demand for investigation and treatment is expected to rise by 10 per cent over the next five years. The new cardiac centre will be able to cater for this increasing need.
Fundraising manager Sarah Newby said: “We aim to raise £1 million for the cardiac appeal and our first target is to buy an echo cardiography machine costing around £25,000.
“We have already received generous pledges of support and local volunteers have started organising fundraising events.”
If you would like to help or get involved with the L&D’s cardiac appeal, contact the fundraising team on 01582 718043 or email sarah.newby@ldh.nhs.uk
> Look out for special edition ‘Love L&D’ heart enamelled pin badges on sale at the hospital.