Broadband link speeds heart ops

The results of patients' angiograms receive an opinion immediately

Heart patients in Kent and Medway are getting instant access to specialist surgeons in London thanks to a new super-fast broadband connection.

Hundreds of miles of fibre-optic cables have been installed linking 28 hospitals in Kent and St Thomas' and King's College hospitals in London.

It means images from angiograms can now be sent for specialist opinions within two minutes of being taken.

Previously they were sent on CDs and the process could take seven days.

Real-time discussion

"We can send the images straight away and discuss with the surgeon in London what the best treatment options are," said Dr Jagdip Sidhu, who is based at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.

"The patient is on the table at the time and we can go back with a treatment plan.

"We may decide to go ahead with surgery or a balloon angioplasty there and then.

"It is a real-time discussion and the patient gets the best treatment quickly."

Patient Tony Purchon was among the first to benefit after being admitted to hospital following a heart attack one Friday.

On Monday morning his condition was diagnosed and he underwent a balloon angioplasty procedure to widen a clogged artery.

"One of the good things was that I was talked through everything beforehand - what was going to happen and what the risks were," he said.

"Then I went downstairs and had the whole thing done in one stop, so there wasn't any stress."