Heart patients supported throughout pandemic

The SHINE heart care team have been recognised for the excellent level of support given to patients throughout the pandemic. The team have adapted their service, set up virtual clinics and worked outside of normal hours.

Vicky Baines, Senior Heart Failure Clinical Nurse Specialist, said: “Caring for people with heart failure is a highly rewarding role, but it can also be emotionally exhausting for staff. However, the team have been motivated throughout the pandemic and always keen to do whatever is needed.

“We have set up additional clinics, which has included reviewing patients virtually. This has been a great way to continue and enhance the care we provide and has helped to reduce hospital admissions.

“The team have been actively encouraging and supporting patients who feared attending hospital appointments due to the risk of catching Covid. People who are severely unwell can require daily out-patient IV treatment and some have been unwilling to come into hospital due to fear, but members of our team have spent time talking to them virtually and guiding them through what will happen at their appointments, what restrictions and preventative measures are in place and giving reassurance that they will be at minimal risk.”

Staff on the SHINE unit have been given the Team of the Month award in recognition of their contribution.