New heart treatment unit brings care closer to home for Newham residents
Hundreds of local people living with heart conditions are set to benefit following the opening of the new HEARTS unit at Newham Hospital. Funded through £500,000 from Barts Charity over three years, the pioneering service will bring specialist cardiac treatment closer to home, helping many patients avoid lengthy hospital stays with the aim of making a big difference to their quality of life.
The innovative HEARTS (Heart Ambulatory Treatment Service) unit was officially opened by patients, staff and community representatives at an event on Tuesday 8 September.
Heart failure affects around one million people across the UK and is one of the leading causes of emergency hospital admissions. At Newham Hospital alone, clinicians estimate there are more than 300 heart failure admissions every year. Patients can spend an average of 11 days in hospital following admission.
The HEARTS unit has been designed to change that. Patients can receive treatments such as intravenous diuretics and iron infusions through the service and then return home the same day, reducing disruption to their lives, improving quality of life and helping them remain independent.
Since June, the unit has already supported over 75 patients and helped avoid an estimated 80 days of hospital stays.
Dr Mohammed Khanji, Clinical Lead for Cardiology at Newham Hospital and lead for the HEARTS unit, said:
"Today is a celebration of what can be achieved when staff, patients and partners work together to improve care. We know that heart failure can have a huge impact on people's lives and that many patients would prefer to receive treatment and avoid spending long periods in hospital.
The HEARTS unit has been designed around what matters most to our patients, helping them access specialist treatment earlier, maintain their independence and continue spending time with their families while receiving the care they need. Thanks to the support of Barts Charity, we are already seeing the difference this service is making, reducing hospital admissions, easing pressure on beds and most importantly improving patients' quality of life."
Robin aged 82, praised the care provided by staff and the difference the unit has made.
He said:
"I was one of the first patients to receive treatment in the unit and it has been wonderful to see how much it has grown. I have had several heart problems over the years, including triple bypass surgery, but the cardiology team has always looked after me exceptionally well. Every time I have needed help, they have been there for me and I cannot thank them enough."
Fiona Miller Smith, Chief Executive of Barts Charity, said:
“We invest in ideas that can change how healthcare is delivered, and make excellent care more accessible to everybody in our local communities. The HEARTS unit will help Barts Health develop a better model of care for people living with heart conditions in Newham. And the early results show exactly why we back innovation like this: it has the potential to improve people’s lives while also helping the NHS use its resources more effectively.”
The HEARTS unit forms part of Newham Hospital's wider commitment to tackling health inequalities, ensuring more local people receive the right care, at the right time and in the right place.