THE average wait for a heart bypass operation at one of the region's main heart units has fallen below six months for the first time.

Twelve months ago, patients who needed a heart bypass operation at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, could expect to wait for about a year.

But an improvement in facilities and an increase in specialist nursing and medical staff has allowed the heart unit to cut waiting times and increase the number of bypass operations.

Experts at the unit say large inroads have now been made into the backlog of heart patients in Teesside, County Durham and parts of North Yorkshire.

The dramatic improvement reflects the renewed emphasis put on the treatment of heart patients by the former Health Secretary, Alan Milburn.

The Darlington MP, who recently stepped down from the Government, vowed to wage war on heart disease.

Mr Milburn has acknowledged that The Northern Echo's A Chance To Live campaign for faster treatment for heart patients played a part in changing national policy.

Dr Jim Hall, head of cardiothoracic services at the Middlesbrough hospital, said the improvements reflected the "hard work and dedication" of staff.

The consulant cardiologist said the best was yet to come when the remodelled heart unit fully opened early next year.

Next month will mark an important step forward when an extra two beds in the new cadiothoracic intensive care unit will be opened. Currently, only eight beds can be staffed. This is due to rise to ten beds next month and 12 by January or February next year.

The other big development next month will be the opening of the hospital's third dedicated cardiothroacic operating theatre.

Earlier this year, the unit moved into new labs, where specialists can quickly assess heart conditions using the latest technques.

The multi-million extension to the heart unit was backed by the Government as part of national measures to increase NHS capacity for heart surgery.

"The big step up will be when we get the third operating theatre and the extra intensive care beds next month," said Dr Hall.

The Government has ordered that no heart patients should wait longer than six months by the end of March 2004. By March 2005 the limit will be reduced to a maximum three-month wait.

Read more about the A Chance to Live campaign here.