What does a BHF Heart Failure Nurse do?

A BHF Heart Failure Nurse provides vital care and advice to heart failure patients in their own homes, which in turn decreases hospital readmissions and improves patients’ quality of life.

They are involved in:

• Monitoring patients’ conditions and re-adjusting their medications where appropriate.
• Advising patients on lifestyle changes particularly related to diet and exercise.
• Providing emotional support to cope with a terminal condition and declining quality of life.

The nurse also provides a valuable service in the education of other local healthcare professionals, such as practice and district nurses, which helps to promote the improved care of heart patients.

Why do the hospital need Heart Failure Nurses?

The Heart of Northants was set up initially to raise £100,000 to support a local heart nurse. However with the inistigation of the Virtual Heart  there was a realisation that huge amount of money could be raised to support the BHF with only a minimum donation from each individual or company.

Don’t forget prevention is better than a cure !!

Taking enough exercise and eating a healthy diet (especially children), and being aware of risks such as smoking, drinking alcohol and stress will all help keep your heart healthy – at any age!!!

 To see more take a  look at the British Heart Foundation Web site