HOSPITAL chiefs in Bolton have met all required targets for the treatment of heart attack victims.

Figures reveal the Royal Bolton Hospital is one of just 33 hospitals nationwide to have met four Government targets for coronary health care, and the hospital has been praised for the speed of its care and treatment.

Four targets were laid down by a national audit into how hospitals manage heart attacks.

Hospitals are asked to keep the time between admission and treatment of heart attack patients down to 30 minutes or less.

The Royal Bolton Hospital was said to be "well within" that parameter, issuing thrombolytic "clot busting" treatment in under half-an-hour of arrival to more than 75 per cent of its patients.

Hospital bosses said it was due to having a team of thrombolytic nurses who work in the accident and emergency department and several other wards.

Four chest pain nurses were recruited 12 months ago. They assess patients the moment they are admitted, making an early diagnosis. Doctors are then able to administer the correct treatment. Patients are later taken to the coronary care unit where they are under continuous assessment.

Dr Peter Scott, consultant cardiologist, said: "Early and speedy treatment means the patient's risk of dying is reduced and their risk of further heart attacks is also reduced. The results of this will be seen in the long term."

The hospital also met targets for the administering of three drugs: aspirin, which prevents blood clotting; beta-blockers, which slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure; and statins, which reduce cholesterol.

Dr Scott said: "We also have a good cardiac rehabilitation scheme. Most heart attack deaths happen outside hospital and we are keen to ensure there is a high level of care for patients once they have been discharged." One of those to have benefited from the hospital's treatment is Ronald Toone, aged 63, from Daubhill. who had a heart attack last Friday.

He said: "I've had a great standard of care from the doctors in Bolton and the treatment was there when I needed it the most. I was treated as soon as I came into casualty ."

The Royal Bolton's ratings were highlighted in the Myocardinal Infarct National Audit Project, carried out by the Royal College of Physicians, and due to be made public today.

It follows on from the National Service Framework in which the Government sets targets for the level of care patients with heart problems should expect.

A hospital spokesman said: "Everyone at the hospital is delighted that we have come out as one of the top ones in the country."