Generous former Goodyear workers use £6,400 gift to help young heart patients in Wolverhampton

The children’s outpatients' department at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton has its first electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, which records the electrical activity of the heart.

It means patients who need their heart tested can have it done there and then, rather than visiting the heart and lung centre in an adult setting, and quicker - around 20 minutes rather than 90.

Between 15 and 20 patients per week are already benefitting from the new machine, rising to 50 to 100 per week as more staff are trained to use it.

The money comes as part of a £500,000 legacy from former workers at Goodyear.

Dr Minoth Kanagaratnam, consultant paediatrician at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT), which runs New Cross said: “This vital piece of equipment has become our new best friend.

“Now we have this, children don’t have to go to an adult setting which might be daunting and stressful, and we get the results straight away rather than having to wait longer – maybe even days.

“This is the first time we’ve had an ECG machine in children's outpatients and I can’t thank the former Goodyear workers enough. It saves huge amounts of time, it improves flow, and it prevents delays in diagnosis.

“Results are now instant and we can see if there’s anything abnormal going on, so the patient experience is far better.”

Kirsty Lewis, senior matron for Acute Children’s Services, said: “This machine has provided quick reassurance for children and parents because waiting to rule out a heart condition can be quite an anxious time for both.

“Carrying out an ECG can be seen as invasive for our patients. Using the skills of our children’s Nurses, we are able to communicate in a way they understand and ensure they feel at ease throughout.”

Cyril Barrett, chair of the 5/344 Transport and General Workers Union Benevolent Fund (ex-Goodyear Wolverhampton), was delighted to hand over the cheque.

He said: “For what the NHS staff do, we should get down on our knees to them every day – what wonderful human beings they all are,” said Cyril.

“We feel it’s important to create a living legacy and that’s what donations like this have done.”

This donation from the TGWU benevolent fund means ex-Goodyear workers have contributed almost £500,000 to RWT projects over the last seven years.

Amie Rogers, fundraising and lead digital engagement Officer at The RWT Charity, said: “This fundraising effort has been phenomenal and members can rest assured they have helped patients today as well as helping so many future generations.”