Lib Dems highlight a further flaw in heart attack plans for Suffolk

7.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 10th Jul 2009

The Liberal Democrats have today highlighted a further issue with the suggested change for heart attack care in the county.

One of the main issues with changing the current arrangements is the feasibility of reaching the three designated PPCI centres.

Caroline Page, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for roads and transport said, "The three hospitals that perform PPCI are in Basildon, Papworth and Norwich, all miles away - and via roads that suffer from almost daily jams, closures and hold-ups!"

Not only is each hospital over an hour away from Ipswich, but they are down already congested roads. This could add a life threatening amount of time to the journey!"

"Moving treatment away from Ipswich, also has a significant knock on effect. Are Suffolk's heart attack patients going to be condemned to languish unvisited in a 'centre of excellence' because the planners who put them there never thought once about the problems of visiting?"

Kathy Pollard, Lib Dem Group Leader, and spokesperson for Heath said, "There is a constant threat to Ipswich Hospital. We must endeavour to protect the vital and excellent services they provide. Professor Boyle has now given us hope that a PPCI centre can be provided in Suffolk, although it could be three to four years away. This would give reassurance to local people that they can look forward to receiving the best care possible within the county, instead of having to travel many miles for this service."