I WISH to comment on the aspect of cardiac rehabilitation mentioned in the article 'The angina plan' (March 12).

There are other facilities available in York for all cardiac patients, including those suffering with angina.

York Coronary Support Trust, run on a voluntary basis, was set up 14 years ago at the instigation of the then consultant cardiologist at the hospital, Dr Roger Boyle, specifically to offer help and support to all cardiac patients and their partners. The aim was, and still is, to help them gain, or regain, their fitness and, just as importantly, their confidence to carry on an active life.

Working with the cardiac rehabilitation team at the hospital we now offer seven exercise, three swimming (one with aqua-aerobics) sessions a week, and our walking group meets once a fortnight.

There are possibly two more exercise sessions in the pipeline. The keep-fit sessions last an hour and are tailored for heart patients and supervised by qualified instructors. At four of the sessions a nurse is present to watch over newcomers.

We meet monthly when members not only listen to visiting speakers, but also have a chance to talk to each other and gain moral support.

We receive no financial support from the health authority or any other organisation and, while we make a small charge to those attending the keep fit sessions, we rely solely on fund-raising activities to subsidise all our events. For more details about the group ring 01904 410091.

R Cornish,

Bishopthorpe Road, York.

Updated: 10:41 Wednesday, March 20, 2002