Cardiac rehabilitation service
The Cardiac Rehabilitation team serves Newham residents who have had acute cardiac event such as a Myocardial Infarction or unstable angina. This service enables the individual to achieve the best possible state of health and improve quality of life through support, health advice, education and exercise.
The service is divided into four phases and has a seamless approach which moves from the acute setting into the community:
Phase 1: Cardiac Rehabilitation starts when patients are admitted to hospital with their acute cardiac event. A risk assessment is carried out and support and life style advice are also given. This is reinforced with written information
Phase 2: Following discharge, the Cardiac Liaison Nurse visits all patients in their own homes or they receive a telephone follow up.
Within two weeks of this visit/phone call, all patients are given appointments for the Nurse led Coronary Secondary prevention clinic.
Phase 3: Formal rehabilitation classes are offered through a multi-disciplinary team including a pharmacist, dietician, clinical psychologist, physiotherapist and specialist nurses. It is offered to all patients who have suffered an Acute Myocardial Infarction, Angioplasty or Cardiac Surgery. These classes take place twice weekly for five weeks during which time patients are introduced to an exercise programme, education, professional and peer support, stress management and relaxation training.
Phase 4: After completing the Cardiac Rehabilitation programme, patients are encouraged to join the Community Cardiac Exercise classes set up as a part of the Health and Fitness project run by Newham Leisure Services in liaison with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Team.
Clients are also introduced to the Newham Heart Support Group who meet monthly for support and social contacts for the longer term.
For patients referred to the hospital Rapid Access Chest Pain Clinic, the Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurses arrange a follow up in their Nurse Led Angina Clinic and provide an Angina Education programme at the Centre, Manor Park, E12.
The Newham Striders, a local walking group, is also promoted throughout the cardiac rehabilitation service.
For further information please contact: 020 8536 2327