More than 700 people were screened for heart conditions at an event hosted last month by NHS Ayrshire & Arran, the Pumping Marvellous Foundation and The Killie Community.
A team of staff from University Hospital Crosshouse’s Cardiology department and acute care team provided free screening from 10am until almost 7pm at the Killie Community Hub in Kilmarnock. Staff from Pumping Marvellous, the largest patient-led heart failure charity in the UK, were also on hand to provide information and advice.
Of the 710 people seen:
- 157 were found to have raised blood pressure of which they were not aware;
- 102 had a fingertip blood test to assess for potential heart failure – of these, 11 were provided with follow up appointments for a heart ultrasound scan;
- 23 were found to have an irregular abnormal heart rhythm (atrial fibrillation) and provided with a follow up appointment to begin treatment to prevent stroke and slow their heart rate down – and a heart scan was arranged; and
- A small number of individuals had a heart murmur and were provided with follow up appointments for assessment and a heart scan in the cardiac day unit at University Hospital Crosshouse.
Gaynor Campbell, Senior Cardiology Advanced Nurse Practitioner and one of the event organisers, said:
“The day was an overwhelming success and we were completely blown away by the number of people who turned up and waited to be seen. It really shows there is an appetite for this kind of screening event and will provide excellent feedback to Pumping Marvellous who offered us the opportunity to be part of their pilot which is looking at improving access to health care in alternative settings.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Pumping Marvellous and The Killie Community, and of course to the hundreds of people who came along in less than perfect weather conditions and waited a long time to be screened. We know from feedback that the vast majority found it to be a really positive and worthwhile experience. I’d like to give a special mention to all the NHS and charity staff involved – most of whom gave up their days off to take part – it really wouldn’t have been possible without them.”
A spokesperson from The Killie Community said: “The Killie Community is an independent charity that uses the power of football to engage people from all backgrounds and circumstances, and to improve lives.
“We were thrilled to open up our Community Hub to host such an important event. For hundreds of individuals to have their heart issues identified, together we have potentially saved lives.
“As a charity, we strive to work in partnership with NHS Ayrshire & Arran and, despite significant cuts to our funding, we continue to explore ways we can support local people who need this kind of support more than ever.”
One person who attended the event and went on to be given a follow up appointment at the cardiac day unit said: “I can’t believe that my condition was picked up at the event and I’ve already been seen at the hospital and given the medication I need to take. I am so glad that I went along to be screened and am very grateful to all those involved.”