A 'MIRACLE patient' was one of the first to reap the benefits of Preston Royal Hospital's new coronary care unit.

Hugh Astley Simpson, pictured, needed 24 electric shocks to re-start his heart compared to the two or three needed by most heart attack victims.

Senior staff nurse Cathy Richardson said: "We had to shock Hugh 24 times and resuscitate him for 24 hours.

"He is without doubt our miracle patient. He can't remember any of the treatment we gave him - he's remarkable.

"He's been given an information booklet about the treatment he's received and how to look after himself when he gets home.

"He, and all other patients from the unit, will be visited at home in the first week they have been discharged."

Hugh said: "The new unit is fabulous and very hi-tec. They keep telling me about all of the treatment I received. I'll be getting big-headed shortly!"

Consultant cardiologist Sarfraz Khan is overjoyed. He said: "In the old unit, the monitoring equipment was obsolete and working conditions for staff were not very conducive.

"Our equipment is now state-of-the-art and we have much more room in which to work.

"The equipment can simultaneously measure a patient's ECG, blood pressure, level of oxygen in the blood and other readings.

"At the touch of a button, you can glance at any of a number of readings. And in addition to the six beds in the unit, we have another four in the medical assessment room next door which can also be monitored from here."

Cathy added: "We didn't expect the new nursing station in the unit - it was a real surprise. Before we were crammed in but now we have much more room for paperwork and the monitoring equipment."

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