A NEW state-of-the-art machine has helped an extra 2,000 heart patients receive a quicker diagnosis in its first year of operation.

Paid for through the Stars Appeal at Salisbury District Hospital, the £142,000 echocardiogram machine uses ultrasound to show a detailed image of a patient’s heart, detecting any abnormalities or serious heart conditions.

It provides doctors with the best images possible to aid diagnosis.

Money was raised for the new machine through donations, fundraising and gifts left by those who remember the charity in their wills.

This means that the cardiac investigation unit is now equipped with four echocardiogram machines in total.

David Richards, 85, used the machine when he was admitted to hospital after having a heart attack last year.

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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.

“Once again, the Stars Appeal revealed itself to be truly five star.”

The additional echocardiogram machine means all of the 6,000 heart patients seen in the cardiac investigation unit each year are benefitting from faster access to scans.

The new machine is enabling staff to see 40 more patients a week, helping to reduce waiting times so patients can get a diagnosis more quickly.

Ian Hilton, who is 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. Thank you very much.

“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.”

One way to help support projects like these is to join the Stars Appeal for its 20th Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 6.

It is free to enter the sponsored walk, which takes place at Wilton House.

To find out more about Walk for Wards and the work of the Stars Appeal go to www.starsappeal.org