The family of a heart failure patient have donated specialist equipment to Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust which will speed up treatment times and avoid hospital admissions.
The three KardiaMobile devices will be used by the Community Heart Failure Team thanks to the relatives of Valerie Haywood, who had been their patient since 2014 before she passed away in October 2022.
The equipment will be used to determine the heart rhythm of patients being cared for in their home, helping the medics to devise a treatment plan without having to send them into hospital for an ECG.
Valerie’s daughter, Joy Haywood has worked for the Trust for 42 years. She said: “We decided to not have flowers at my mum’s funeral, and instead request donations to be made for the heart failure team.
“The family wanted to do something in her memory that would benefit patients and staff. We managed to buy three KardiaMobile devices and carrying cases. The whole family are thankful to the heart failure team who made Val’s life easier. She wouldn’t have lived as long without them, and some of them have become like family.”
The team endeavour to improve the quality of life of their patients from diagnosis, by reducing hospital admissions and supporting them as they live with their condition.
They provide a seven-day service and carry out home assessments which includes administering intravenous medication, whilst also operating 12 clinics across Sandwell and West Birmingham. This also includes a Saturday morning clinic for younger working patients.
Isobel Blake, community heart failure specialist nurse, said: “Valerie was a well-known patient to the team and she is very much missed by us all.
“We are extremely grateful for the very generous donation of KardiaMobile devices – they can record a heart tracing to determine the heart rhythm.
“Currently we’ve been using a portable ECG machine or send patients into hospital to get an ECG. However, the new devices will be used in patients’ homes to help determine treatment options, avoid hospital admissions, and offer peace of mind.
“The devices will help over 1,500 patients a year and give staff the ability to make quicker, informed decisions about treatment and find course for deterioration – saving time.
“We are so touched by the Haywood family’s appreciation for the care that Valerie received from our team.”