News - 27th June 2008

Tuesday 24th June 08 saw a large gathering of Cardiac members from other Cardiac Rehabilitation Groups from around Pembrokeshire assemble at the Harp Inn for lunch and indeed celebrate they’re second meeting as a united Pembrokeshire Community Cardiac Rehabilitation Group, so as to collaborate and organise events, which would benefit the membership as a whole with many suggestions relating to fund-raising ideas, affiliation to the British Heart Foundation and the feasibility of having a united respite activity holiday in 2009. A draft programme appertaining to future walks as arranged and sponsored by Step2Health, up till the end of the year was put to the members, who accepted the proposed programme. List of walks can be seen on www.FishguardCRG.co.uk. During lunch Birthday surprises were sprung upon Michael Flude & our Cardiac Nursing Specialist Irene Hartup, whose birth date is still on the confidential list. Everyone enjoyed the day and are looking forward to the next united meeting to be held at the “Jolly Sailor” in September.

Friday 27th June 08, invited guests and Cardiac Patients were treated to a brilliantly organised “Pembrokeshire Healthy Heart Conference 2008” labelled “Putting The Heart Into Education” held at St Brides Hotel, Saunderfoot, albeit the weather condition was atrocious with very heavy rain. The venue, views and warm welcome received at the reception were second to none. Over a light lunch members had the opportunity to mingle and discuss topics relating to coronary care and were exhilarated in gaining first hand information from the vast knowledge from the different professional bodies prior to their allotted slot within the programme. Mrs Caroline Oakley, RN, MA who is the newly appointed Director of Nursing & Quality for Hywel Dda NHS Trust, admirably presented biographies of each guest speaker. Powerful messages for the continuance of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme in Pembrokeshire were portrayed by each and every one of the ten Guest speakers in their addresses, highlighting the benefits and savings not only to the patient but also to NHS resources. The “Patients Story” as delivered by Richard Allen, a cardiac patient from Pembroke Dock, was a very strong and moving tale in all aspects, reflecting gratitude to Morriston Hospital Cardiac Team, Cardiac Nursing Specialists, BACR Fitness Instructors, & indeed the Big Lottery Fund for their support in financing the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme and finally the PCC Leisure & NHS local Health Board for managing the fund. In recognition to the excellent organisation of the conference bouquets of flowers were presented to Mrs Karen Blackmore PCM Emergency Care & Discharge & Mrs Rachel Jones Cardiac Rehabilitation Team Administrator. For the best display stands Cllr Paul Morris, organiser Steps2Health was presented a token gift as first prizewinner. Well-done Paul. The 108 delegates received words of commendation given to Irene Hartup, Paula Emery & Terry Main the principles within the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme with a well-deserved rapturous applause.

Our next merry meeting of “Terry and his Pacemakers” will be on Friday 4th July 08 at the Fishguard Leisure Centre, hoping you will all remember the new starting time of 10.00 am. As this will be a special event would you all please make that extra effort to attend? For more information either contact Terry Grover on 01239 820607 or John Palmer on 01348 872240 or why not visit our website www.FishguardCRG.co.uk as so generously sponsored by ePembs.