A CHARITY has funded a heart monitor for the Airedale Hospital stroke unit.

The device, provided by the Friends of Airedale, will help detect heart conditions and reduce patients’ risks of further strokes.

The so-called Novacor can identify a condition known as atrial fibrillation (AF).

According to research, 75 per cent of strokes can be prevented if AF is detected.

The monitor is the fourth of its kind to be deployed on the unit, with the Friends also helping to fund the previous three.

Pam Beaumont, stroke clinical nurse specialist at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said the devices were invaluable.

“We had one patient arrive recently and she was on the monitor within a few hours of admission,” she said.

“Previously we had to use monitors from the cardiac team, and that could involve a wait of weeks.

“The monitors enable us to respond very quickly to the cause of the stroke and get patients onto medication.”

Eileen Proud, president of the Friends of Airedale, said she knew first-hand the value of the devices.

“One of the first to be used was on my brother so I’m aware how important they are and how they cut down diagnosis time,” she added.