Burnham-On-Sea’s MP has this week called for action to improve care for people who have suffered heart attacks.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the UK’s biggest killer with around one in five men and one in seven women dying from the disease and it causes an estimated 140 deaths each year in Tessa Munt’s Wells constituency, which includes Burnham-On-Sea.
In the last 10 years there has been a 50% reduction in deaths from CHD, largely due to prompt care for patients when they’ve had a heart attack. Secondary prevention has also improved, with a greater emphasis on prescribing drugs which aim to lower cholesterol among those at risk.
However, fewer than 50% of patients receive cardiac rehabilitation, despite the fact that guidelines recommend this is offered to all patients.
Tessa met representatives from the national charity HEART UK last week to discuss local heart disease services and hear about the importance of improving post-event care for patients.
By getting the treatment and support given to patients after a heart attack right, the NHS not only improves the experience and results for patients, but also saves money which could contribute to the £20 billion efficiency savings the NHS needs to deliver between 2011 and 2014.
Tessa said: “I’d like to thank HEART UK for raising their concerns and giving me the information about local heart disease services. I am committed to working with the local NHS and in parliament to ensure that heart disease services are co-ordinated and delivering for rural Somerset.”
Jules Payne, Chief Executive of HEART UK, added: “I would like to thank Tessa for supporting the work of HEART UK in improving outcomes for people with heart disease. Co-ordination across the NHS, Public Health England and social care services is vital at both a national and local level to continue to deliver improved outcomes for heart disease and tackle the post-event care challenge.”
