DOCTORS in Watford and Three Rivers have the chance to apply for cash from a £90,000 fund set aside to improve cardiac care.

Despite higher rates of heart disease among people younger than 75 in Watford and Three Rivers than those living in St Albans and Dacorum, a new study has shown they have received less treatment than their neighbours.

The report stated that death rates in the under 65's from the disease was rising in Watford, while they had decreased elsewhere in the west of the county.

Last week, Dr Peter Reader, chairman of the Watford and Three Rivers Primary Care Group (PCG), said it was aware of the 'north-south divide' highlighted in the joint West Hertfordshire Health Authority and Hertfordshire County Council annual public health report, and it was one of its priorities.

He said this 'inequality' could be due to the fact, until recently, there had been no national guidelines on cardiac care and there had only been one cardio-vascular consultant in the south of the region compared to two in the north.

The PCG board agreed at its meeting last Thursday to release cash awarded to it from the Government this year for the development of primary care to help medical professionals prevent and treat heart disease and other cardio-vascular illnesses in their patients.

Dr Reader said GPs would have to apply for the funding, which could range from £2,000 to £6,000, depending on the size of the practice.

The report to the board stated: 'Heart disease is the biggest cause of premature deaths among our patients but it is an area in which preventative treatment can make a significant impact to reduce morbidity and mortality.

'GPs and their primary health care teams are the key players in ensuring patients receive effective preventative care. An audit across the PCG in April 2000 showed many patients receive good quality care but others could benefit from changes to their management.'

The scheme will allow GPs and nurses to provide care which goes beyond traditional services, such as setting up special cardiac clinics to monitor patients closely - something which could operate across more than one practice.

The report also outlines which patients should be included, and lists advice and treatments which should be offered as standard.

Dr Reader said: 'We have been told by the health authority that, as far as they know, this scheme is quite unique and it is breaking new ground.

'We have made some suggestions but the individual practices will need to apply for the funding with their proposals, and their work will be closely monitored.'

ccooley@london.newsquest.co.uk