NO amount of training can prepare doctors and nurses for the feelings of sheer anguish at losing a patient.

Dr Karen Lipscomb, consultant cardiologist, admits to feeling "devastated".

She said: "Sometimes we lose patients, despite everything. It is very, very sad. We all go home feeling deeply upset."

That is why she is welcoming the appeal, confident that Bolton people will rise to the ocassion and raise money to not only build a new 10-bed unit, but to build a new relatives room for families touched by tragedy and distress.

"They need the space to be close to their loved ones. I think this appeal is really exciting. It gives staff something to look forward to.

"I think we will get this money. The strength of feeling in Bolton is very strong. Heart disease effects nearly every family in the town. It is a very real problem for a lot of people."

Tracey Higginson is head of cardiology with a team of more than 100 staff.

"It is a tough job, but one that is full of rewards," said Tracey, a former senior sister on the coronary care unit.

She added: "I always get stopped when I'm in the supermarket by former patients who always remember me, although, sometimes it's difficult to remember everyone.

"I think when you are dealing with life and death, you form special bonds with patients and their families.

"It is such a stressful situation that no one who has been nursed on the coronary care unit will ever forget their time there.

"People are constantly ringing up saying thankyou and sending flowers and boxes of chocolates."

Kate Taylor is senior cardiac rehabilitation physiotherapist. She helps patients rebuild their lives after a heart attack.

She said: "A bigger unit is desperately needed because of the bed shortage."

Many patients in coronary care are often in denial and need help in improving their confidence levels and exercise regime.

Kate said: "Many patients are often disheartened at first but that soon changes and they leave hospital feeling more confident. Many change their lifestyles.

"We work with them on a one to one basis and get very close to the patients. It is a very rewarding job. But sadly, rehabilitation is also underfunded by the Government. We need more money to meet national targets."