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ThursdayJune242010 Herald 

HEALTH PAH: Specialists offer life-saving treatments

A TEAM of surgeons who have been performing a life saving procedure at Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH) are now extending their service to respond to emergency cases.
PAH is one of the few hospitals outside large teaching organisations to provide an endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) service. The vascular surgery team, led by consultants Mr Jonathan Refson and Mr Ahmed Abidia, has been providing the EVAR service at the hospital for the past three years. An abdominal aortic aneurysm is a silent and deadly threat to life. It is where the bodys main artery, the aorta, starts to bulge and expand at a section deep within the

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diaphragm. If the bulge continues to expand, it can rupture with deadly consequences. For many decades, surgeons have treated those aneurysms discovered at an early stage by carrying out major open surgery to repair the artery. This surgery puts a great strain on the patients body and there is a high risk to survival during the days after the operation. The EVAR technique involves entering the artery through the groin and inserting a stent to repair and strengthen the artery at the point of weakness. As the technique is less invasive and can actually be done under local

anaesthetic, the effects on the patient are lessened and the survival rates are higher than open surgery. Mr Refson said: We have been very successful with the introduction of the EVAR technique at PAH. We have performed the procedure on over 80 patients, with very few problems and better survival than the open technique. Until now, we have only performed the procedure on patients who have been diagnosed with a problem and have been booked in for surgery. Our new service will also include an out-of-hours response to emergency patients. I am delighted that we are now in place to respond to this life threatening emergency at any time using the EVAR technique.

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Breastfeeding week is celebrated

NATIONAL Breastfeeding Week has been celebrated in Harlow over the past few days in a bid to raise awareness of its health benefits to babies and mothers. According to figures from NHS East of England, the number of mothers breastfeeding their babies is on the increase across the region. Birte Harlev-Lam, regional strategic lead for Maternity Services, said: Breast milk gives babies all the nutrients they need for the first six months of life. Each week that a mother continues to breastfeed builds the babys protection against infections and strengthens their ability to fight disease.

Breastfed babies are less likely to develop health problems including stomach infections and diabetes and less likely to become obese as adults. Breastfeeding is good for mothers too as it helps them to lose the weight gained in pregnancy as well as protecting them by reducing the chances of getting illnesses later in life. To promote these benefits the Harlow health visiting team from West Essex Community Health Services set up a stall in the Harvey Centre this week. This was followed by a breastfeeding awareness party, organised by the local support group Harlow Bosom Buddies, held at the Meadows Children Centre, in Harberts Road. www.breastfeed ing.nhs.uk has more information on National Breast feeding Week.

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New MP in visit to St Clare Hospice

HARLOW MP Robert Halfon paid his first visit to St Clare Hospice since becoming a Member of Parliament on Friday June 18. Mr Halfon said: I was particularly pleased to visit St Clare Hospice and meet the staff and patients. It was good to go to the day centre in particular, especially as some of the patients were enjoying a good pint of Guinness! Every time I go to the hospice, it improves in some way or another and it remains a very special place of tranquillity and sanctuary for those suffering from terminal illness. Chief executive, Richard Cowie commented: Weve always had strong relationships with our local Member of Parliament and it was a pleasure to welcome Robert to the hospice once more, this time in his new capacity. We had the opportunity to talk about our recent developments, demands on the service and voluntary income. Our patients love meeting visitors and having the chance to share how St Clare is making a difference to them. St Clare Hospice is a charity providing specialist care for people living with life limiting illnesses. They care for patients and their families, providing physical, social, psychological and spiritual support.

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