Cuts threat to cardiac unit (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Cuts threat to cardiac unit

PROPOSED staff cuts at a leading cardiac unit have been met with outrage by Salisbury parents worried that their son's health could be put at risk.

Three-year-old Oliver Diaper was born with a rare heart condition and he is one of thousands of youngsters who receives lifesaving treatment at the Wessex Cardiac Unit, at Southampton General Hospital.

Now the cash-strapped NHS trust is considering scrapping a team of six cardiac liaison nurses who give vital support to Oliver and his parents, Joanne and Barry.

"The nurses have been fantastic because they are a first point of contact whenever we are worried about Oliver," said Mrs Diaper, of Hulse Road.

"It is often difficult to get hold of the doctors and consultants because they are so busy, but the nurses are there to advise us what to do and when we should take Oliver in.

"They know the patients really well and they are also a great support to the families - we rely on their specialist knowledge. They are a safety net for my son. If they go, it will be an absolute disaster."

See this week's Journal for full story.