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Patients diagnosed with heart failure in Birmingham and Solihull have been given improved access to essential care through the launch of a brand-new community heart failure service at Washwood Heath Health and Wellbeing Centre, provided by Heartlands Hospital, part of University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust.

The service will enable patients with heart failure to be monitored and receive routine appointments closer to home with access to specialist heart failure nurses working closely with community nurses and primary care colleagues.

Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock MP, officially opened the heart failure service by cutting a ribbon held by Heartlands Hospital’s Director of Operations, Ed Landon, and Heart Failure Advanced Clinical Practitioner, Stewart Black.

Ed Landon, Director of Operations, Heartlands Hospital, said: “This new clinic will help us to wrap care around our patients, giving them essential community care, helping improve their quality of care and overall long-term health outcomes.

“This is an exciting extension to the Respiratory Same Day Emergency Care service launched at the Washwood Heath Health and Wellbeing Centre a year ago.”

Asgher Khan, aged 55 years-old, from Yardley has intravenous (IV) furosemide daily, which relieves fluid congestion and breathing difficulties in patients with heart failure. He received this treatment at Heartlands Hospital but is now able to go to Washwood Heath. He said: “The service is priceless. I get more of a personal relationship with the team; it’s like a VIP service. 

“I used to feel quite stressed going into hospital, but at Washwood Heath, once you’re done, you can go home. The team make sure you’re comfortable, do all the necessary checks, like your blood pressure and weight, and are there to discuss any problems and give reassurance and guidance. It’s real one-to-one care. I’m so grateful.”

Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said: “I was delighted to visit Washwood Health and Wellbeing Centre – one of our pioneering neighbourhood health services – and to open the new heart failure clinic.

“Through our 10 Year Health Plan we are shifting care from hospital to community, bringing it closer to where people live. Washwood is leading the way, providing health and care services for the people of Saltley and Birmingham right on their doorstep.

“The new clinic offers patients rapid access to diagnostic appointments, care and support in one place. This will ease pressure on hospitals, while delivering better, more convenient care for patients.”