Cardiac rehabilitation at St Richard's Hospital - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Cardiac rehabilitation gives you and your family the information, support and advice you need to return to normal life.

Research has shown it can lower your risk of having another cardiac event such as a heart attack, help avoid being admitted to hospital and have a positive impact on your wellbeing and quality of life.

Following our cardiac rehab programme will help you develop a heart-healthy lifestyle and provide you with important psychological support for the anxiety and low mood that can be associated with a heart event or living with a heart condition.

St Richard’s Hospital cardiac rehabilitation programme

The St Richard’s Hospital cardiac rehabilitation service is certified by the British Association Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) and run by a specialist team of nurses, physiotherapists and exercise therapists.

This means we can provide a structured programme tailored to the individual needs of every patient. Together, we will work to manage or overcome your heart condition.

Support when you leave hospital

A cardiac nurse specialist will call you soon after you have been discharged from hospital and talk about your recovery and ongoing care.

They’ll give you advice and try to answer any questions you may have. As your case manager, they’ll provide you with clinical follow-up, including your individual cardiac risk factor management, and review your medicines and symptoms.

Exercise

We offer structured exercise programmes supported by cardiac exercise specialists. For some people home programme supported by our exercise specialists may be more appropriate than classes.

These exercise programmes will help you gain confidence, become fitter, and learn how to exercise safely.

Information sessions

We hold regular half-day education sessions to give you and your family information on how to reduce your risk of heart problems in the future. We cover diet, exercise, managing stress, anxiety and low mood, and understanding your heart amongst other topics.

The education sessions are a great opportunity to discuss any worries you might have and to chat to other people who’ve had similar experiences.

Stress and anxiety

It’s not unusual to feel anxious or low in mood following a heart event. Most people start to feel better as time passes. Once they get back into their usual routine, the anxiety may start to reduce. Help is available for those who require more support.

Find out more about coping with stress and anxiety

Relaxation sessions

We offer a regular programme of stress management sessions. At these sessions you can explore how you react to stress and learn about different relaxation techniques.

Discharge

We’ll liaise with your GP surgery as appropriate about your long term needs for monitoring and prevention.

Facebook

Our closed Facebook group is for current and former patients, rehab staff and volunteers only. It has further support and information videos. We’ll give you more information about how to join when we speak to you.

Satisfaction

At the end of the programme you may be asked to fill out a satisfaction questionnaire. This is voluntary and anonymous and provides us with feedback to use in improving our service.

What our patients say

“I had no idea what to expect after a stent was fitted. To receive a call and then a visit was the best after service I could have wished for. Then to have the support of the rehab team was priceless.”

“The cardiac rehab programme at St Richard’s is fantastic, as are the people who run it. Before going, I was very dubious as group activities aren’t my thing but I’m really glad I did it, my confidence has really improved; thanks to all.”

“The whole experience is delivered with a wonderful good humour and instils confidence in its professional backgrounding; more than one person has told me they feel safe in the care provided, which is an important ingredient for recovery. Staff show sensitivity to newcomers’ slight apprehensions, which are seen to quickly fall away after a few minutes of one-on-one introduction. I have also witnessed great tenderness towards people when needed.

“Volunteers dovetail with the professional offer to bring the one thing I’m not aware any of the professionals can: they’ve been through similar experiences themselves, so are uniquely placed to give encouragement and example. Not immediately so obvious is the way the general atmosphere created by staff and volunteers encourages a rolling wave of mutual support amongst everyone else taking part – the sessions have acquired a community life of their own.”

“My wife came to the first rehab session and found it very helpful – settled her mind about what I can do. She asked questions and watched the class. She says it was the beginning of her understanding and put an end to so much worrying.”

“An extraordinarily well planned and well managed exercise programme, with delightful, warm, friendly staff. And thanks to the volunteer helpers.”

“Without really knowing it, I have come out the end of the 8 week programme fitter mentally and physically, and ready for next steps, whatever they may be. I could not have done that on my own!”

“The whole team are very friendly and helpful. They were always willing to listen to any questions and answer them. It gradually increased my exercise levels and helped me to gain confidence in my own ability and to move forward.”

“Excellent support from the rehab team, particularly in helping me understand the medical side and the improvement in my medication. It was good to talk in detail about my condition, which I did not get from my GP. It is also good to talk to other patients – mutual support.”

“The exercise team are excellent – just right approach – professional but relaxed – nice balance.”

“Besides the exercise being of benefit, the extra contact after leaving hospital to ask questions about concerns etc was very welcome and built confidence.”