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Campaign for Cardiac Rehabilitation

More than two-thirds of heart attack survivors in Northern Ireland are missing out on cardiac rehabilitation.

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke is campaigning alongside the British Heart Foundation to ensure all eligible heart patients have access to high quality cardiac rehabilitation programmes.

The Northern Ireland Campaign for Cardiac Rehabilitation was launched on the 13 October 2009 by an alliance of patient organisations, health professionals and charities creating one powerful voice to champion the cause of cardiac rehabilitation.

The Northern Ireland Cardiovascular Health & Well-being Service Framework recommends that all patients identified as requiring cardiac rehabilitation, in line with the regional guideline, should be offered this service.

Currently, the Framework aims to establish a baseline audit outlining the percentage of patients eligible for cardiac rehabilitation who receive the first three phases, following which targets will be determined. There is an urgent need to set specific annual targets and to ring fence resources to make sure any targets are met.

A press release was issued highlighting how the Health Service could save lives and money by providing life-saving cardiac rehabilitation treatment to all heart patients, as presently over two-thirds of heart attack survivors in Northern Ireland miss out on this life-saving service.

To view the press release click here

Help campaign on Cardiac Rehabilitation in Northern Ireland

If you would like to help us campaign on this issue, you could write a letter to your local Assembly Member and Health & Social Care Trust. The document links below will give you Guidance on Campaigning and sample letters for you to download. Thank you!

Guidance on Campaigning for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Northern Ireland

Cardiac Rehabilitation Campaign Letter to MLA's

Cardiac Rehabilitation Campaign Letter to NI Heath Trusts

Cardiac Support Groups

"I found that it helped to talk to someone who had already had heart surgery as they understood what I was worrying about."

Armagh Cardiac Support Group on a bike trip.

"I come along to the support group with my wife because I want to learn things too because I worry about her."

For more details of Cardiac Support Groups in your area click here.

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