Aims of this Support Group
13.11.11
We give support, advice and reassurance to Heart Patients with ICD's fitted and also to their families and carers in North Staffordshire
and throughout the U.K. We manage this through several key forms:
A bi-monthly newsletter - every 8 weeks this newsletter gives valuable non-medical information about living with a defibrillator, which covers
driving, insurance information for both holidays and travel, safety within the home, forthcoming fund-raising and social events, disability law
information, contact names and telephone numbers of a range of services, including available disability resources.
Telephone counselling and chat lines - training to include counselling skills for non-medical committee members, who are in direct contact with patients and their families. Sharing experiences with other ICD patients, either face-to-face or on the telephone.
Hospital visits to patients upon request by them - liaison with consultants/ward staff at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire regarding hospital visits to patients awaiting implantation and also to give support after the operation and on their return home.
Social gatherings and fund-raising events - to boost morale, bring patients together who may have shared similar experiences and understanding, as well as providing a shoulder for patients, their families and carers.
