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Speaking at the 11th Cardiology Study Day at the University of Glamorgan, Mr Morgan outlined measures to improve people’s lifestyle and diet to reduce heart disease and care and support for people who develop the potentially life-threatening condition.
The event was organised by Cwm Taf Health Board to share views on the achievements and development of cardiology services across Wales.
The First Minister said:
“I want to thank you all for your efforts and hard work and ask that this continues, to ensure that patients receive the best possible cardiac care.
“We must not be complacent. Together, with your continued hard work and dedication we must build on what has been achieved. This will lead to improved outcomes for patients by preventing cardiac disease. When and where disease does strike, we want to provide access for all to high quality cardiac services.”
Cardiac disease remains a major killer and cause of premature death in Wales.
The Welsh Assembly Government has set clear guidance to strengthen cardiac care from now until 2015, updated earlier this year in the Cardiac Disease National Service Framework (NSF).
It aims to:
- promote healthy hearts;
- prevent cardiovascular disease and increase survival rates;
- improve quality of life for patients and the families of those currently suffering from cardiac disease;
- strengthen cardiac rehabilitation.
The First Minister said:
“Having experienced a heart scare myself, I believe firmly that it is time for us all to take responsibility for our own health.
“Our efforts must be focused on increasing awareness of the importance of having a healthy lifestyle and diet to reduce the risk of a range of health conditions, including heart disease.
“As part of our commitment, we must continue to invest in services should people require them, and any other ongoing support, to return them to better health and reduce the risk of a heart attack reoccurring.
“The NSF is crucial to directing and guiding the activity of all of those with the responsibility for cardiac care, in order to make meaningful progress towards delivering the policy aims set for 2015.
“It covers the whole patient pathway, from prevention and early detection to assessment and diagnosis. For the first time, there is also a dedicated standard for cardiac rehabilitation to reflect the importance of this service and the need for it to be an integral part of cardiac care.”
27 November 2009
