title: How national policy affects the care of patients who suffer a heart attack.
abstract: In October 2008 the Department of Health published the National Infarct Angioplasty Project (NIAP), reviewing its guidance on the treatment of a heart attack. This was framed to update previous 2000 guidance from the National Service Framework for coronary heart disease, and highlighted the need for specialised services and 24-hour care. Recommendations included the need for appropriate assessment/investigation and immediate transfer to a cardiac catheterisation laboratory for primary angioplasty within 120 minutes of calling for professional help. Cardiac services are currently undergoing review, and a significant number of new cardiac catheterisation laboratories are being established throughout the country to accommodate the needs of this client group. This article discusses whether 24-hour care is feasible, cost-effective and realistic for the NHS to manage, as well as analysing policy guidelines in relation to the treatment of heart attack.
authors.affiliation: Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London.
authors.forename: Meryl
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Green
mesh_terms: D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004632:Emergency Medical Services; D006291:Health Policy; D006280:Health Workforce; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013222:State Medicine / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy; D006113:United Kingdom