Community clinic enjoying success in helping to prevent strokes and treat Atrial Fibrillation

An innovative clinic opened last year is seeing amazing results in helping to prevent strokes and treat a common heart condition.

The Community Cardiology Atrial Fibrillation (AF) clinic in Nuneaton is run by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust.

Led by specialist AF nurses and arrhythmia consultants, the service at Hartshill Health Centre works across primary and secondary care and is located in one of the most deprived areas in Coventry and Warwickshire. It also offers same day scans which can detect other heart abnormalities needing treatment.

Successes so far include:

• Seeing 377 patients for their first AF specialist input
• An average wait of 5.7 weeks for first AF clinic appointment – a reduction on average of more than six months
• Helping an estimated 48 patients avoid hospital admission
• Reducing 68 people’s length of hospital stay from their AF

Dr Sandeep Panikker, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist at UHCW, said: “The results have exceeded expectations and are having a huge positive impact on people’s lives.

“This service aims to target the important goals of stroke prevention, early diagnosis, rapid access to treatment and reduced hospital admissions. By providing care closer to people’s homes, we are treating patients without the need of going to hospital.

“We know there are high levels of AF in some areas of Coventry and Warwickshire but, thanks to the amazing work of everyone involved, we are now able to reach these patients and intervene early to reduce the risk of serious complications.”

AF is the most common heart rhythm abnormality, affecting around 1.4 million people in the UK. It is more common in older people and causes an irregular and often abnormally fast heart rate which can cause problems including dizziness, shortness of breath and tiredness.

The risk of having a stroke without appropriate medications is high, but starting people on the right treatment will reduce the amount of strokes in the region.

Builder Simon Bedford, 60, attended a follow-up appointment at Hartshill four weeks after angina resulted in an overnight hospital stay.

“I found the service great,” he said. “The nurse was very professional and answered all my questions. I came away feeling better than when I went in without them doing anything!

“I had been having quite a lot of chest pain and they found I have an irregular heart rhythm which they are helping me manage while I await further treatment.”

The initiative aligns with UHCW NHS Trust’s Organisational Strategy, More than a Hospital, to deliver local integrated care and improve patient access to services.

Patients can be referred by GPs or any clinician in primary or secondary care. For any queries, contact the AF nurses by emailing communityaf@uhcw.nhs.uk or calling 02476 965726.