A ROUND-the-clock vascular surgery service has been launched to help county NHS patients.

Stroke victims and those facing amputation are among those who could benefit from the development at Worcester Royal Infirmary.

The centre of vascular surgery, which is already up and running, will mean the treatment of vascular emergency patients 24-hours-a-day for 365 days a year.

"This development is important for the residents of Worcestershire and Herefordshire as emergency and urgent vascular conditions will be assessed by specialists with the aim of improving survival from ruptured aneurysms (swelling of the arteries), preventing strokes and reducing amputations of limbs," said consultant vascular surgeon Richard Downing.

"Although the centre is based at WRI the majority of non-emergency pre-operative assessment and aftercare will be provided in hospitals closer to patients' homes.

"For example, outreach vascular clinics are established at Kidderminster, the Alexandra, Malvern and Evesham hospitals.

"As many diagnostic investigations as possible will also be undertaken on an outpatient basis in local hospitals."

The new service is part of a multi-disciplinary team including vascular anaesthetists, radiologists, technologists, consultants in other disciplines, and specialist nurses as well as therapy terms.

A new vascular theatre is operational while a ward and high dependency facility are being developed.

"As well as managing patients with aneurysms, the emergency service will also benefit patients who have suffered arterial injury, certain patients at risk of strokes and those who have diseased arteries in their lower limbs and risk amputation," added Mr Downing.

Ruth Harrison, chief executive, of Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said she was delighted with the service.

Meanwhile, Pat Archer-Jones, chief executive of Worcestershire Health Authority, said it meant patients were guaranteed the best treatment.

"It's all credit to the vascular surgeons in both Worcestershire and Herefordshire who have joined forces to provide this service and ensure that 24-hours-a-day, patients are guaranteed the best care available," she added.