A HOSPITAL is to receive a grant to help it tackle a national skills shortage.

The British Heart Foundation is funding a number of two-year training posts in echocardiography aimed at addressing a national shortage and to meet Government targets for diagnosis and treatment of heart patients.

Echocardiographers form a vital role in helping to diagnose a wide range of heart conditions.

They scan the heart using ultrasound machines, obtaining and interpreting the data to produce reports that are used to diagnose and treat patients.

South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust has received a £38,000 grant to train a graduate to become an echocardiographer. Anna Griffiths has just started work in the regional cardiothoracic centre at the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

Jane Graham, echocardiography services co-ordinator, said: "We appreciate this grant and Anna is a very welcome addition to our team, enabling us to improve and develop the service we provide for patients."

Fiona Turner, area organiser from the British Heart Foundation, said: "We are delighted to be able to give this grant and would like to thank all the people who helped by donating money to the British Heart Foundation for making it possible."