Cardiology ( Community Cardiac Nursing Team)
The Community Cardiac Nurses (CCNs) provide a specialist review service to both heart failure and post-myocardial infarction (heart attack) patients across the borough of Walsall.
The team works together with the wider hospital cardiac team in order to maintain a seamless service between hospital and community.
Patients who are referred to the CCNs must have a confirmed diagnosis of LVSD (Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction) following Echocardiogram. The hospital OASIS (Open Access Systolic Insufficiency Service) is utilised by GPs if heart failure is suspected.
The community cardiac nurses could be reviewing patients from three to 12 months, though this is individual to each patient and their particular needs so may change accordingly.
The service provides nurse-led clinics, telephone assessments and home visits to support patients and their carers by both physical (prescribing medications) and emotional support. Patients can be referred to us by:
- Walsall GPs
- Heart Failure Nurse Specialist Tina Fletcher at Walsall Manor Hospital
- Heart failure consultants and other hospital consultants
- Other heart failure teams
- You, if previously suspended from the service.
Active management will be suspended when the patient is stable. Emphasis is then placed on the individuals and their family/carers to monitor their own condition and report any deterioration back to the team. The service can be resumed and suspended when necessary. All patients are provided with educational information and relevant issues are discussed and revised throughout the patient review process and information tailored to the needs of each individual. Referrals to other agencies are made to ensure a multi-disciplinary approach is adopted including end-of-life initiatives.