Secretary of State opens emergency lift for cardiac patients
Secretary of State opens emergency lift for cardiac patients
18 September 2019
The new lift, officially opened by Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Matt Hancock, will speed up access to the specialist unit for cardiac patients arriving in an emergency.
The project was made possible by former patient Mark Davies, who underwent emergency surgery at the HAC in 2017 after suffering a sudden and unexpected heart attack at home.
Having received incredible care and support from staff at the hospital, Mark made it his mission to raise money for a brand new lift.
With our support, Mark raised almost £100,000 towards the project after taking on the Athens Marathon a year to the day after his surgery. He also rallied friends, family and colleagues to support his fundraising efforts.
On a special visit to the Heart Attack Centre this morning (18 September), Mr Hancock paid tribute to Mark's extraordinary fundraising campaign. Following a short tour of the unit, he also unveiled a commemorative plaque dedicated to Julie Bart, the NHS 111 call handler who sent an ambulance to Mark's home when she realised his life was in danger.
"The staff at the hospital were fantastic. An absolutely top team."
After collapsing at home, Mark was rushed to Hammersmith where he underwent emergency surgery. One of eight specialist units in London, the Heart Attack Centre centre provides 24-hour emergency care for anyone suspected of having a heart attack.
With the speed of treatment critical, the new lift will ensure faster and more reliable access to the unit for patients arriving in an emergency.
Speaking of his experience, Mark said: "The staff at the hospital were fantastic. They were all so good from the minute I arrived. They were an absolutely top team and were very kind in the time I was there, so I really wanted to do something to help."
Professor Tim Orchard, Chief Executive of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are so grateful for the support of Imperial Health Charity and fantastic fundraisers like Mark who have donated so much of their time and effort to make this happen. It’s a great example of how we can collaborate to drive real improvements to the care we provide for our patients.”
To find out more about fundraising events and opportunities, click here.
