Heart support group relaunches
Date of release: 5 November 2024
A support group in Wolverhampton for people with heart problems has re-launched with face to face sessions.
Cardiac Rehabilitation education meetings hadn’t been delivered face-to-face for four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic - support had been given virtually to patients who had cardiac surgery or a heart attack following discharge from hospital.
Chris Scordis, Joint Lead for Cardiac Rehabilitation at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said utilising the Have A Heart venue in Wolverhampton was a great opportunity to re-launch the in person education sessions so patients can see staff and ask any questions they may have.
He said: “The community venue that Wolverhampton Coronary Aftercare Support Group has created, Have A Heart Wolverhampton, has allowed patients to meet in the community and receive their education face to face. It is a fantastic venue and we are very excited we are now able to run these sessions again.”
The education session consists of drop-in sessions with Dietitians, a Pharmacist, a Specialist Lipid Nurse, Cardiac Nurse and Clinical Exercise Physiologist.
Michelle Bartlett, Cardiac Rehab Nurse, said the education sessions will take place once a month.
She said: “We haven’t held a face-to-face meeting since 2020 so to get them back up and running is amazing.
“It is an informal pop-in session where people can speak to a range of specialists.
“I really enjoyed seeing everyone at October’s session – it was a great session with lots of patients to speak to.”
Anil Kohli, 75, was one of those who attended the support group. He had a triple bypass in July after a 90 per cent blockage in his arteries.
He said: “I would give the team 100 stars if I could. The communication from Consultants, care from Nurses and support from the whole team was amazing.
“Since being discharged I have had follow-up appointments to check on my progress – which is going well.
“I have also had physio sessions which have been so useful and helpful. I am currently on a 12 week programme and the experience has been excellent.
“There has been so much support – including this group – and I am very grateful.”
ENDS
- For further information, please email amy.downward@nhs.net
