Hospital improves services to heart patients
February is National Heart Month and Yeovil District Hospital is highlighting the improvements it has made to support patients with a heart rhythm condition.
At least one million people in the UK, from infants to the elderly, have experienced a cardiac arrhythmia, which is more than one out of every 85 of us. In recognition of this, the hospital has a dedicated Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist funded by the British Heart Foundation.
Sandy Jackson was a Sister in the Coronary Care Unit for 11 years before taking on this specialist role in 2007. This appointment has enabled the hospital to reduce waiting times and improve cardiac services for patients living with an irregular heartbeat. Arrhythmia patients are referred directly to Sandy and, depending on their condition, some can now have all of their tests done in one convenient appointment.
Atrial fibrillation is a common arrhythmia, especially in men, and is one of the major causes of stroke if treatment is not given promptly. Now most patients are seen within two weeks of referral where previously they would have had to wait for up to 12 weeks to see a consultant.
Pacemaker patients are also receiving a better service because more time is spent preparing them for their operation. Improvements have also been taking place outside the hospital, for example with the new support group set up for patients with an implantable defibrillator. This has been a joint effort between Yeovil District Hospital and the Arrhythmia Nurse Specialists (also funded by the British Heart Foundation) at Musgrove Hospital in Taunton.
Anyone who would like more information about heart conditions can order a Heart Information Pack from the British Heart Foundation together with a copy of their Heart Matters magazine containing articles on different heart conditions and information on how to live a heart healthy lifestyle. They’ll also receive a fridge magnet to remind them of the Heart Helpline number and details of the Foundation’s new free service, Heart Matters. To order the Heart Info Pack by phone please call 0300 333 0 333.