Vaccinations for heart patients at the Hub
At our Community Hub on 16th October we were fortunate to be visited by our friends the Pharmacy Team from Southall Pharmacy.
Many of our members, most of whom are heart patients, took up the offer of flu or Covid vaccinations given by the Team.
Taking up our entitlement to these vaccinations is important to us as heart patients,
as we are particularly vulnerable to complications arising if we catch flu or Covid.
The vaccinations were given after a packed hall of members & supporters had taken part in the regular chair yoga exercise session led by the popular Mr Chana. While those attending chatted and had refreshments, the Pharmacy team carried out the vaccinations and then offered blood pressure checks to our members. The vaccinations were given based on individual’s eligibility in line with NHS criteria, and full records of each vaccination were taken by the Pharmacy Team to be forwarded to the relevant GPs for adding to patient records.
All members who are entitled to them and have not done so,should
take up their vaccinations as soon as possible as the autumn/winter season of flu and Covid is getting underway.
A huge thank you to Anish and his team from Southall Pharmacy.
Heartlink AGM – building a healthier future
At our Annual General Meeting on 2nd October, Heartlink members endorsed plans to strengthen our activities to support local heart patients and to develop new heart health initiatives for the wider local community.
In his keynote speech, Dr Harmandeep Singh, Heartlink Trustee, spoke about the vital impact that Heartlink has in tackling the high levels of heart health problems locally. He spoke passionately about the difference it has made to many patients, including those on the Hospital Cardiac Ward, to be able to share experiences with other heart patients and to become part of a supportive local group.
He emphasised our key role in the local community in providing reliable, accurate information about heart health, given the volume of misinformation, particularly on social media. He encouraged us to develop our own material, such as podcasts and short video clips, to set up our own Heartlink social media presence in the next few months. He also wants us to do more to encourage local people to have basic heart health checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
The well attended and enthusiastic meeting reviewed our work and finances for 2024, elected a committee for the next year and endorsed six key local cardiac specialists as Trustees of our charity. Our programme was endorsed by 70 members and key local supporters, including Cllr. Polly Knewstub, Ealing Council Cabinet Member for Healthy Equal Lives, and Cllr. Mrs. Mohinder Midha, ex-Mayor of Ealing, and long -time Heartlink supporter.
Understanding High Blood Pressure
September's Heartlink meeting was lucky to be treated to an excellent overview of hypertension (high blood pressure), it’s causes, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what we can do about it ourselves. The talk was given by Dr Jamie Kitt, Consultant Cardiologist and General Internal Medicine Physician at Ealing Hospital, and was attended by over 50 members & supporters.
Dr Kitt explained that blood pressure is created by the force of blood pushing against arteries as it is pumped by the heart. Hypertension is a huge worldwide problem affecting one in four men and one in five women during the course of their lives. If untreated, it causes major complications such as strokes, kidney disease as well as heart attacks. It has a range of causes, some of which are genetic or caused by medical conditions, but mostly it is caused by factors in our own lives that we can try and address. Some drugs for other conditions can also result in raised blood pressure.
Dr Kitt told us how to take accurate blood pressure readings using a home monitor and explained that concerns start for readings on average above 140/90, and rise when readings get even higher. He explained the different drugs used to treat hypertension and how they work, but he emphasised that patients can also do much to help themselves, for example by moving and exercising, by having a positive outlook, by eating wisely and by connecting with others.
There was a lively discussion about many aspects of high blood pressure, as many in the room suffer from hypertension, and Dr Kitt dealt with many questions. The importance and simplicity of regularly taking your own blood pressure was stressed, and it was also underlined that pharmacies offer a free blood pressure testing service. Dr Kitt talked about the vital role of groups like Heartlink in helping people understand more and learn how to deal with high blood pressure. Feedback to the session from those attending was extremely positive.
A copy of Dr Kitt’s presentation can be viewed HERE.
Heartlink team at Southall Parkrun
A large team of Heartlink volunteers made a big hit amongst the 100 plus runners at the Southall Parkrun on the morning of Saturday 23rd August.
While some of our volunteers ran our stall promoting heart health and the Ealing Smokefree Service and giving out water to participants, many took part in the Parkrun itself.
We were pleased to be joined by colleagues from the Smokefree Service and Ealing Trading Standards helping us to promote the initiatives to quit smoking and against illegal tobacco and vaping products.
In addition to our long-standing volunteers, we were fortunate to be joined by a number of young student helpers, plus local cardiology staff, Ben and our Heartlink Trustee Gary. We were particularly impressed by the speed with which Ben completed the 5k course!
This was the second recent occasion when we have been invited to attend the Parkrun and we want to say a big thank you to Jags and the Southall Parkrun team. We made a big hit amongst participants with our health messages and our free British Heart Foundation booklets, and gained a good number of new contacts and members.
Packed hall for Heartlink Hub Summer Party
Gentle exercise and tasty food were on the menu at our Hub Summer Party at Greenford Park Community Hall on Thursday 21st August. Our hub supports local heart patients and provides a safe space to chat and socialize.
We were pleased to welcome the popular Mr. Chana to start proceedings with half an hour of chair yoga. Our volunteers then served everyone generous portions of summer food: sandwiches, samosas, cakes and fruit. We were joined by one of our key local supporters, ex-Mayor of Ealing, Councillor, Mrs. Mohinder Midha, who has helped us at events and fundraising for several years.
While everyone tucked in and chatted we turned up the music and enjoyed some dancing and celebrations. We were fortunate to hear a famous 80’s Punjabi song from its well-known singer Mrs Mohinder Bhamra. Several members were pleased to win prizes in our free summer raffle. All in all, an enjoyable way for heart patients and supporters to relax and socialise.
Out and about this summer
Throughout July and August, our wonderful Heartlink volunteers have been busy out and about in the local community, as well as supporting local patients. One of our key aims is to raise awareness about heart health and help reduce people’s risk of health problems and complications. Since 2024 we have also been promoting the local Ealing Smokefree Service, because smoking is one of the main causes of heart problems, as well as causing cancer and respiratory issues. All of our activities below have been to promote the Smokefree Service.
Early on Saturday, 12th July, we visited the Parkrun in Southall Park and talked to many of the over 100 participants. We got a great reception as we gave out our leaflets and booklets and distributed water to the participants at the end of the run.
On a wet Saturday on 19th July, we visited Meadow View GP Surgery in Northolt and attended their Summer Health Fair. We talked to dozens of the local patients with a great response. On top of this one of our Committee Members worked with the local GPs and surgery staff to help organise a regular Smokefree Clinic at the Surgery itself, for people wanting help to quit.
We visited the Hanwell Cardiac Rehabilitation Group at the end of July, where we were joined by representatives of Ealing Trading Standards, who explained their work combating illegal vaping and tobacco. We got a high level of interest from those attending the group.
At the beginning of August, we were invited to run a stall at the Queens Pharmacy on the Broadway in Southall. We were given a table inside had great support from the pharmacy management and the pharmacists in running this stall. We got a good response from both people inside & shoppers outside on the Broadway
On top of this, throughout July and August, we have continued to run our two weekly Information Desks at Ealing Hospital, and have generated good interest amongst patients, those visiting clinics, people attending for tests and visitors to the hospital.
Highly relevant information about heart medication
At our latest Heartlink monthly meeting held at Ealing Hospital on Thursday 7th August, a packed audience of members heard a presentation about ‘Heart Medication’ given by Aanchal Bahl, Senior Specialist Pharmacist in Cardiology at our Hospital Trust.
Almost all those in the audience were heart patients themselves and currently taking heart medication. Aanchal dealt in detail with each class of heart related medication that is in common use (and some that are not so common). She gave a valuable insights into:
· what they do
· how they should be taken
· their possible side effects
· practical ways to avoid problems with them
· possible alternatives
· liaison with medical staff about them
She answered dozens of questions raised by audience members and continued after the meeting to deal with individual issues raised .
Members felt it was one of the best and most useful meetings out of our many helpful sessions.
We would like to extend our great thanks to Aanchal.
A busy start to the summer
Heartlink members and volunteers have had a busy start to the summer, with plenty of activities both aimed at our members themselves, and out in the local community. At each of them, in addition to heart health advice, we have promoted the Ealing Smokefree Service to help those who want to quit smoking.
On 25th June a team of our volunteers visited one of the regular weekly sessions of our friends at the Mael Gael community group at Norwood Green and received a great welcome. We took with us one of our key supporters from Ealing Hospital, Consultant Cardiologist Doctor Jamie Kitt, who presented to the group, giving good advice about heart health. He received excellent feedback from the 130 strong audience, and we ran a stall giving out our booklets and leaflets.
At Ealing Hospital on Friday 27th June, the Chief Executive of the Hospital Trust, Pippa Nightingale, invited Heartlink Trustees and representatives to a meeting to discuss joint opportunities, together with Councillor Polly Knewstub, Cabinet Member from Ealing Council. There was strong support from the Trust and Council representatives for Heartlink and the work it is doing both in Ealing Hospital and in local communities.
Heartlink has recently joined Southall Community Alliance to strengthen our links with the local community, and on Wednesday 2nd July, we were fortunate to be invited to run a stall at the Annual General Meeting of the Alliance, attended by 100 Local community representatives including local MP Deirdre Costigan.
The following night at Ealing Hospital, 50 of us attended our monthly meeting where Annika Towell, Head of Patient Experience at the Hospital Trust, explained about the role of the hospital’s PALS (patient advice and liaison) Service to assist patients with any problems.
On Saturday 5th July, a team of our volunteers ran a lively stall outside Quality Foods supermarket in South Road, Southall, talking to many shoppers about heart health and the Smokefree Service.
Walkers lead the way
A large group of Heartlink members and supporters enjoyed the Heartlink sponsored walk on the morning of 21st May. The walk was organised by our regular group of Wednesday Walkers, and we assembled at Greenford Hall, going on a very enjoyable walk together through lovely parkland in Perivale and Pitshanger parks, and finishing for refreshments in the sunshine at the Brentham Club.
As well as our regular walkers and many other Heartlink members, we were delighted to be joined by the previous Mayor of Ealing and longtime supporter Mrs Mohinder Midha and Councillor Polly Knewstub, Ealing Council Cabinet Member for Healthy Equal Lives.
The aim of the walk was to encourage more local people to join our regular weekly walks as well as raising sponsorship monies for Heartlink’s work of supporting local heart patients and raising awareness about heart health. We know that walking helps us improve our fitness, in addition to enjoying the walks and open air and sharing chats and time together.
Our regular weekly walkers meet at Greenford Hall, in the centre of Greenford every Wednesday at 10am and go off together for leisurely walks through nearby parks and along scenic paths.
Many thanks to our walkers and their sponsors for all the monies raised totalling over £3700.
Blood pressure and BMI checks at the Heartlink Community Hub
50 Heartlink members and supporters benefited from the offer of blood pressure and BMI checks at our Community Hub session on the 15th May at Greenford Park Community Hall, on Queens Ave. Greenford.
The checks were provided by a team of young pharmacists from nearby Southall Pharmacy. People had tea, coffee, fruit and snacks while waiting for their turn. Everyone was given copies of their results and, in some cases, arrangements were made for people to have follow up checks the next day at the pharmacy itself, followed by referrals to their own GP where this was required.
We wish to extend our huge thanks to Anish and the pharmacy team from Southall Pharmacy located at 13, North Parade, Southall, who provided this service to Heartlink and its members on a voluntary basis, free of charge. They regularly go the extra mile to provide proactive health care to the local community.
The checks followed our normal excellent chair yoga session led by the ever-popular Mr Chana.
Heartlink & Cardiac Research
At the beginning of May, Heartlink members and supporters gathered at Ealing Hospital to hear about developments in cardiac research and to learn about opportunities to get involved themselves. They heard a presentation from Emma Howard and Reinette Hampson from the Northwick Park Research Cardiac Research Charity, which is located at Northwick Park Hospital, part of our local Hospital Trust. The Director of Cardiac Research is Consultant Cardiologist Professor Roxy Senior.
Over the last year, 684 local heart patients have taken part in over 20 studies at the Northwick Park Research Centre, covering areas such as coronary artery disease, heart failure and heart attacks, and including investigations into heart medicines, tests and treatments. As examples of their work in recent years, they told us about their involvement in trials of medicines that have many of us has used, such as Apixaban blood thinner. Many of their studies are particularly aimed at treatments for conditions which affect high numbers in our local, diverse communities.
One area of their work is to help educate local NHS staff who regularly carry out stress echocardiography, known to us as ‘stress echo tests’ so that they can achieve better diagnoses for patients.
They finished the presentation with an invitation to Heartlink members to sign up to be checked for adding to a list of volunteers who can be invited to take part in future studies. There were many takers.
After a lively question & answer session the presenters stayed behind to discuss queries with individual members.
Please see their presentation HERE.
Speading the Word
One of Heartlink’s key roles is to raise awareness about the many different aspects of heart health in our local communities. We go out to meet and talk to people, running presentations and stalls and giving out hundreds of heart health booklets from the British Heart Foundation, as well as our own leaflets. We also promote the Ealing Smokefree Service to help local people give up a habit which is one of the main causes of heart disease and cancer.
In a two week at the end of April, over 20 of our volunteers helped us at four different events where we spread the word about heart health to hundreds of local people. At the Hope Church in Perivale, we ran a Heartlink stall for local people who had been invited to a special event where they were offered a range of health checks by the church community.
At Ealing Gurdwara we were invited by the President and Committee to run a Heartlink stall as part of their important Vaisakhi celebrations, with hundreds talking to us. At Oswald Rd Gurdwara in Southall, we were invited to give a presentation and run a stall for Sunday worshippers. Our Trustee, Dr Harmandeep Singh gave a very well received speech, and we received a generous donation from the Committee to help with our work.
Finally, at Ealing Hospital we ran our two regular weekly stalls, talking to large numbers of patients and visitors, including people sent to the new Community Diagnostic Centre for a range of tests by their GP's.
Learning about CPR and defibrillators
At our 3rd April meeting at Ealing Hospital, Heartlink members and supporters were given a talk by Dr. Harman Singh about CPR and defibrillators. (CPR is Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation). Over 60 members and supporters turned out for a fascinating lecture at which Dr. Harman explained why we all need to understand about CPR and how to give it to someone in an emergency.
In recent years, the standard guidance for how to undertake CPR has changed and mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is no longer practised. It now involves correctly carried out rapid chest compressions until emergency services arrive. Doctor Harman also opened up Heartlink 's own defibrillator to demonstrate it's simple to use audio instructions. Doctor Harman is a Consultant in Cardiology and Acute Medicine at Ealing Hospital, and he was assisted by Heartlink supporter Cynthia Balabala, who is a Heart Failure Specialist Nurse.
After demonstrating how to carry out CPR, Doctor Harmon took lots of questions from the audience. Then attendees were encouraged to practise CPR technique themselves on one of the four CPR practice dummies at the session.
Everyone enjoyed the interactive nature of the event, and many attendees told us they felt they had gained important knowledge about CPR and defibrillators and have a much better idea of what to do if confronted with an emergency situation.
To watch a video of Dr Harman demonstrating CPR technique see below.
