Hospital chiefs are launching a campaign to boost the number of cardiac nurses.

Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust is making the move as plans are discussed for a new £1 million cardiac centre at Chelmsford's Broomfield Hospital.

It is hoped the centre will take its first patients next spring, bringing all cardiac services under one roof.

A hospital planning application is currently before the council and is likely to be discussed by councillors before the end of the year.

The trust submitted an application in August this year for a new facility in the south wing of the hospital between ward B10 and the current cardiac department.

Kathryn Freake, senior cardiology nurse, said: "We are looking for people who may be interested in joining our Trust as a registered nurse with cardiac nursing experience.

"This is an exciting time in cardiology as we work towards implementing the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease.

"It can be a very rewarding and challenging career with flexible working hours and training and development opportunities."

A special cardiac nursing recruitment hotline has been set up and anyone interested can call 01245 514575.

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