New cardiology service first in Kent

It is based in the Cardiac Catheter Lab at Maidstone Hospital and will be used by patients needing treatment for abnormal heart rhythms.

The trust has taken on two consultant cardiologists to establish and operate the service.

It is the first of its kind in Kent and will end the need to refer patients needing EPS to St Thomas’s or King’s College Hospitals in London.

Around 80 patients are expected to use the the service during 2013, most of which will be treated as day cases.

Trust chief executive Glenn Douglas said: “Our first three patients were seen last week.

“This is another extremely positive step forward for the trust to ensure we provide the very best care and services for our patients.”