AS the Big Red Heart Appeal continues to gather pace, today we look at the role of the cardiology unit at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

Staff at the department say raising money for the campaign will mean quicker diagnosis, helping to save lives.

As reported, the aim is to raise £2-million over two years to develop a coronary angiography suite, with a new catheterisation lab, where numerous procedures will be carried out.

The appeal is also the Grimsby Telegraph's official campaign for at least the next year.

Margaret Hill, cardiac services manager said: "I enjoy my job as it is very varied; we meet the full spectrum of society in the unit.

"The unit is vital in the diagnosis and prognosis of heart disease.

"We need to know exactly what the problem is and the extent of the problem."

The cardiography department has a total of 18 clinical staff and seven admin and is open Monday to Friday.

Its role within the hospital is to carry out cardiac investigations, such as electrocardiograms (ECG's),which is the recording of the electrical activity of the heart over time via skin electrodes, along with ultra sounds, exercise ECG's and pacemaker checks.

Big Red Heart Appeal co-ordinator Ron Kitching said since the Grimsby Telegraph's launch article he has "not stopped."

He said: "I can't believe how many people have been in touch wanting to get involved."

Read more about the work of the unit, and find out how you can get involved, in today's Grimsby Telegraph.