The heart failure hospital at home team have been caring for James Walker ever since he suffered a heart attack four years ago.
James from Stockton has since had various issues linked to his heart including an irregular heart rhythm, breathlessness and fluid retention.
Since then he has had regular support from the cardiac remote monitoring service who visit him at his home.
Patients like James are given a special app and a monitoring kit, allowing patients to do their own recordings for blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation and weight.
These details are reviewed by the specialist heart failure team allowing them to closely monitor a patient’s condition and respond quickly if any concerns are flagged including adjusting medications.
Help after recent setback
James, 63, said: “The team have been unbelievable.
“I’ve been seeing the team for five years now and we’re so lucky to have them.
“Over the last five years I have seen them on and off and whenever I am discharged I genuinely miss them because they’re such a fabulous team.
“The team turn up to my home and get things done so quickly. They really make a difference.”
James has recently had a setback after being admitted to the University Hospital of North Tees with an irregular heartbeat.
Speaking from his hospital bedside, he said: “Even while I’ve been back in hospital this time, members of the heart failure service have popped their heads through the door to see how I am.
“They’re a lifeline and an amazing resource. Five years ago I didn’t need a lot of their help, but now they’re an absolute lifeline.
“The patient-initiated follow-up system is brilliant. If things aren’t quite right, I know I can get in touch and the team will help.
James is also full of praise for the wider cardiology teams across University Hospitals Tees.
He added: “The support I have also had from staff on the ward and in the community cardiac rehabilitation teams has been fantastic – it has given me confidence and helped me manage my condition.”
The cardiac remote monitoring service, previously known as managing heart failure at home, is part of a national approach that supports people to live well at home through remote monitoring and patient education.
Since North Tees and Hartlepool was selected as a pilot scheme four years ago, the service has gone from strength to strength.
Trudy Hunt, heart failure specialist nurse said: “Feedback from patients like James means so much to us all – we are really proud of how far the service has come.
“We help patients have a better experience, keeping them out of hospital whenever possible by providing treatment and ensuring all of their needs are met in an individualised way.”
Let us know about your experience
The hospital at home service is running a survey to gather feedback from patients and loved ones about their experience.
Complete the hospital at home survey