Council Delivers Cardiac Rehabilitation in Partnership with Local Health Agencies

Patients taking park in the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme will now benefit from an additional class that focuses on exercise and mental wellbeing following a cardiac event.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Phase 4 Exercise Referral Pathway is a new class run by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council supported by the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and funded by the Public Health Agency (PHA).  

Following the successful completion of core rehab in phases one to three delivered by the Downe Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation team, suitable candidates are then referred to the next and final phase of the Cardiac Rehabilitation programme.  Participants attend cardiac rehab exercise classes once a week in Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre with the overall aim of progressing their physical fitness and mental wellbeing.  They also receive advice on safe and suitable exercise prescription following their recent illness. 

Highlighting the exceptional provision of cardiac rehabilitation for local residents within Newry, Mourne and Down, Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said. “The Cardiac Rehabilitation Pathway is a great example of how the Council can work productively with its statutory partners - the PHA and the South Eastern HSC Trust to deliver progressive, community-based health interventions for the citizens of our district. 

“Each participant’s progress is diligently monitored and reviewed through continual assessment; managing the expectations of those taking part, many benefit greatly from this 12-week programme.”  

Colette Rogers, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing (Southern) at the PHA, said, “Physical activity is an important part of improving both our physical and mental health and wellbeing. None more so than when it comes to this programme of cardiac rehabilitation, which can see better outcomes for patients, playing a crucial part in cardiac care and physical and emotional recovery.”

The Downe Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation team delivers the cardiac rehabilitation Phase 3 class in Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre for individuals in the local community who have experienced recent heart problems. Cardiac Rehabilitation exists as an integral part of cardiac care and is one of the most clinical and cost effective, therapeutic interventions in cardiovascular disease management, resulting in improved clinical and behavioural outcomes for the patient. This includes fewer hospital admissions, better understanding of medications, improved physical fitness and improved quality of life.  Phases 1 and 2 - Early and Core Rehabilitation, is delivered by hospital based, trained healthcare professionals. Traditional cardiac rehabilitation is an exercise and education-based programme that patients are referred to following a confirmed cardiac diagnosis. Patients are individually assessed and provided with appropriate information to help facilitate their recovery and improve their quality of life whilst reducing their risk of future cardiovascular events. 

Patients who are suitable are invited to attend the core programme once a week for an eight-week period with an opportunity to have a final assessment on completion to compare improvement in both physical and emotional recovery. The educational aspect includes information sessions on healthy eating, stress management, exercise, smoking cessation, travel, medication and CPR training. 

Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist, Roisin Dorrian, who leads the Cardiac Rehabilitation team, explains, “This leisure centre-based programme is invaluable to our patients once the core rehab has been completed. The service has been welcomed by patients, relatives and staff. 

“The seamless onward referral pathway from the Phase 3 clinical class to the Phase 4 Exercise Referral class demonstrates the close working relationship between the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. By providing the delivery of both classes on the same site in Ballymote Sports and Wellbeing Centre it demonstrates the continuity of provision which therefore has a positive effect on patient completion rates.” 

When the cardiac rehab programmes are completed, participants are then signposted into other Council activities such as gym memberships, swimming, walking groups, bowling clubs and ‘Be Active classes’ to ensure that they remain active in the future and lead healthier lifestyles while managing their medical conditions. Feedback from the scheme has been very positive.  

Participant, Anne Craig who recently completed the programme, said, “The programme was very beneficial. It was good to know we were all in the same situation and to be encouraged to push to our limits in exercise but not beyond our capabilities. The chat and cuppa afterwards to discuss any issues was also really helpful. I have continued to maintain an exercise programme and feel the benefits of fitness and wellbeing in myself. Thank you for your support and guidance.”