Letter: A Life of Dedication

Sir – In our Western Mail (July 10) I read that Mr Rhodri Morgan had received a heart operation to relieve two partially blocked arteries at the cardiac unit in the University of Wales, Cardiff, within 24 hours after the onset of his illness.

I am gratified Mr Morgan had prompt attention to alleviate his anxiety and that he was in good spirits. I wish him well.

May I now indicate a sequence of events that was our misfortune to occur on June 23?

I have a 77-year-old husband who suffered serious chest pains and admitted to the A&E at Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion.

He was given emergency treatment to determine the severity of his heart condition and waited for 10 hours before a bed became available in the cardiac unit!

My husband waited for 12 days at the unit with intermittent cardiac pain and gross anxiety.

The cardiologist, medical and nursing staff at Bronglais Hospital are second to none in their dedication to the patients – fully aware that the patients have to wait on the unit for two-three weeks or more before transferring to the cardiac unit at Morriston Hospital for the same treatment received by Mr Morgan in 24 hours.

Mr Morgan’s heart condition was no more urgent than heart patients around Wales under the NHS.

On Saturday, July 7, my husband was transferred to Morriston Hospital where he had the same dedicated professional care as in Bronglais Hospital, Aberystwyth, the cardiologist and nursing staff gave my husband prompt attention on admission and the angiogram was carried out the next day.

In conclusion, my husband Dr DL Parsons, gave 35 years of dedicated service to all his NHS patients in the Swansea Valley and subsequently in Newport South Wales.

I should know, as I have been beside him for 50 years and aware of his dedication to his profession.

MARGARET PARSONS

Clos Winifred, Upper Borth, Ceredigion

(c) 2007 Western Mail. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.