This page shows edited highlights from our quarterly newsletter which is sent to each member.

If you want to send an article to Heart Line News then please click here to email us at heartlinenews@solihullheartsupport.org.uk.

MEETINGS REPORT

Jan - Surprise Night. Unfortunately it was not possible to arrange a beer and skittles evening as had first been planned so the committee arranged a miscellany of items for your entertainment. This included a healthy eating quiz, a general knowledge quiz, a viewing of some of our collection of videos - including SHSG on BBC newsmakers- the chance to look more closely at our library and, best of all, time to talk to each other. Comments on the evening from those attending were so favourable that we may repeat the idea, with a slightly different format, on other occasions.

Feb - Recent & Planned Changes in Cardiology in Solihull. This was a very well attended meeting and members were treated to a very interesting and informative talk. A consultant from the Solihull Cardiology team explained that Cardiology is a rapidly developing field with the addition of new drugs and treatments, including improved stents used in angioplasty. There is now more political interest in the treatment of coronary heart disease and the introduction of a National Service Framework for quality health care. The Solihull Cardiology unit is responding to meet the new standards of care. A Chest Pain Assessment Unit has been introduced where patients with acute coronary syndrome receive a rapid assessment of the pain, new evidence-based testing techniques are used and this leads to earlier treatment or reassurance for discharge. By-pass surgery is carried out elsewhere and a further Midlands hospital will commence undertaking these operations soon, which should help to reduce waiting times for surgery thus benefiting Solihull patients. It was encouraging to learn that Solihull Cardiology unit staffing and resources has increased and further increases are anticipated.

Feb 15-18 Weekend Break at Cricket St. Thomas. Twenty-three people took advantage of the Group's booking and had a wonderful weekend relaxing in the Somerset countryside. The hotel building was made famous by the TV series "To the Manor Born" and it was interesting to recognise various features of the building that were shown on TV. During the daytime, people took advantage of the sports & leisure facilities, toured the listed building & grounds including an associated wildlife park, relaxed or explored the neighbouring areas such as Lyme Regis, Seaton & Sidmouth. In the evening there was a programme of entertainment, which people could enjoy. This was the 4th weekend break that the Group has organised. We look forward to the 5th weekend away in 2003!

Emergency First Aid Courses

We will be running a series of emergency first aid courses again in 2002. These will comprise a Saturdays at Solihull College and will include Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as well as dealing with other emergencies and basic first aid. The courses are free and solely for Group members and their carers and a first aid textbook is supplied to participants. For more information please email us.

Exercise Class Report

Exercise sessions held continue to flourish. These sessions are graded to suit "beginners" who have completed their hospital rehabilitation classes then onward through "intermediate" to "advanced". Whilst we understand that certain days/times might suit particular individuals, the prime reason for the different classes is that they are targeted to suit different fitness levels.

Please note that we've had to adjust the class times to fit in with the availability of the instructor & the studio. If you would like to join our existing programme, or you would be interested in one of the possible new classes, email us, or come along and watch one the classes to see what is involved before deciding whether to come on a regular basis.