9 December 2016

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon celebrated 25 years of heart transplantation in Scotland joining patients and their families at an event held at the Golden Jubilee National Hospital in Clydebank.

Heart transplantation is the final line of treatment and only cure for individuals whose life has been threatened or limited due to heart failure, which affects approximately 45,000 people across Scotland – more than 350 transplants have been carried out since 1991.

A huge thanks @ScotGovFM for supporting #Heart25. Find out more about the campaign here: https://t.co/vh6sc9a3kX #SnapShareDonate (2/2) pic.twitter.com/NQTPQN3s35

— NHS Golden Jubilee (@JubileeHospital) December 9, 2016

The First Minister said:

This event is to mark 25 years of Scotland’s NHS providing a life-changing procedure – both for the recipient and their families, and it’s been a pleasure to meet some of them today and during my time as First Minister and Health Secretary.”

“It would not be possible without the dedicated service of the immensely skilled staff within our health service or those selfless donors who have shown such kindness in giving one of the greatest gifts a person can give, and they all deserve a huge thank you for the part they have played in these last 25 years.”

Cover picture courtesy of Golden Jubilee Foundation