Mobile heart monitor is boom for patients

Patients in Cannock and Stafford are benefiting from a new hi-tech mobile heart monitor.

The cardiac telemetry system is a way of checking patients' heart rates and rhythms while they are exercising.

Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust is one of the few hospitals in the country to have it. The trust's cardiac rehabilitation team has recently taken delivery of the telemetry system, after donations from three local charities and previously donated funds, which has enabled them to purchase the equipment.

The team organises a range of individual exercise programmes, including gym sessions and Tai Chi classes, and offers educational and relaxation programmes to all heart patients in Cannock, Stafford, Rugeley and Stone.

Cardiac rehabilitation manager Maria Glover said: "The telemetry system is going to be great for us. It's a mobile cardiac monitoring unit, which patients can wear whilst exercising.

"It is linked to a laptop from which qualified staff can monitor patients' heart rates and rhythms.

"We can use it to monitor several patients at a time and can take it out into the community with us. We are very fortunate to get this excellent piece equipment.

"Because of its portability and accuracy, similar equipment is often used on board air ambulances.

"We're so grateful for the donations from the Stafford Oddfellows, the Penkridge Goodies and Brocton Golf Club. Without their help we wouldn't have been able to get this great piece of equipment."

One of the first patients to see the equipment working at a gym exercise session at Rugeley leisure centre was Graham Wootton, aged 67.

"I was in complete shock after I had my heart attack, I just didn't think it would happen to me," said Graham, from Rugeley. "The exercise programme that Maria and her team run has really given me my confidence back."