The Welsh health minister has announced plans to improve the prevention and management of patients with vascular disease.
Edwina Hart (pictured) said the current provision of vascular risk management and assessment in Wales will be reviewed by a group of clinicians, who will then recommend a future model to reduce the number of people in Wales developing related diseases.
The report, which is due in July, could suggest risk assessments for those vulnerable. These could include monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels, which are significant factors in the condition.
Edwina Hart said: “Vascular disease is one of the biggest killers in Wales. The group will engage with stakeholder to recommend a model to improve the preventative measures around the disease.
“I am delighted that Professor Julian Halcox, as one of the foremost experts in the condition in Wales, has agreed to chair the project group.”
The project, which will be led by Professor Halcox, a professor of clinical cardiology at the University Hospital of Wales, follows recommendations by the UK National Screening Committee suggesting that the four UK health departments introduce vascular risk management programmes.
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