An upbeat celebration party marks special anniversary
09 April 2013
West Middlesex University Hospital's award-winning Upbeat Heart Prevention and Support Group marked its 21st birthday this week with members past and present gathering to reminisce and celebrate their many combined achievements.
West Middlesex University Hospital's award-winning Upbeat Heart Prevention and Support Group marked its 21st birthday this week with members past and present gathering to reminisce and celebrate their many combined achievements.
The group, which was formed in 1992, is run by a dedicated team of volunteers, all of whom have been affected by heart disease. Working closely with the cardiac team at the hospital, they play an active role in supporting patients diagnosed with a heart condition as well as involvement in public health promotion and prevention of heart disease.
Ron Grant, CEO of the Upbeat Heart Prevention and Support Group, said: “We are trained Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust (HRCH) Health Trainers/Champions. We go out into the community on healthy roadshows, screening people for cholesterol, BMI, and blood pressure and also promoting a heather lifestyle.”
Dr Trevor Greenwood, one of the founder members of the group and former consultant cardiologist at the hospital, said: “It’s been wonderful for patients to know that they have the support of people who have been in their position as well as nursing and medical professionals. It’s very encouraging for them to meet volunteers who have been through similar experiences and are back to living normal lives.
“I’m delighted that the group is still going strong after all these years, providing valuable support and now offering preventative advice.”
Looking ahead at the next 21 years, the group plan to build on their considerable successes but aim to reach out to a wider community in partnership with Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust (HRCH), British Heart Foundation, and DiabetesUK.
The group is now part of the Cardiovascular Alliance having joined forces in 2008 with two related voluntary groups – the Hounslow Diabetes Group and the Hounslow Stroke Group. They have information stands in the hospital, with volunteers on hand every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to give advice and help at the Heart of Hounslow.