Bradford and Airedale PCT ... Project Beat

Summary:

The 'Project Beat' patient & public involvement initiative was developed by ex-patients who have experienced a cardiac event or are awaiting cardiac surgery. They felt that they would be able to positively contribute to improving the experience of other cardiac patients as they go through their cardiac care pathway.

The project is the first of its kind in the Bradford district. It is planned as an 18-month pilot, which will then be rolled out as a permanent project.

Action:

The project was initially created by and for patients. A steering group comprising of professionals and ex-patients was formed. A volunteer project co-ordinator was elected by ex-patients. The volunteers participate in a training course, supported by the tPCT, which includes learning needs identified by the patients. The course involves basic life support, psychology, smoking cessation, pathology of coronary heart disease, health and safety issues including volunteer's safety and more. The volunteers have regular updates and meeting to feedback any concerns. These meetings are facilitated by the project lead and co-ordinator.

Outcome:

  • Feedback from the volunteers about the training programme.
  • An audit of the uptake of Project Beat and evaluation of patient experience.
  • Feedback from patients attending the cardiac rehabilitation exercise classes re the input of volunteers.
  • Feedback from the community health promotion events.
  • A six monthly progress report submitted to Bradford City tPCT.

Additional:

The project was visited and praised by former Health Minister Melanie Johnson.

It was also a winner at the West Yorkshire Modernisation Awards 2005.

Ten more volunteers have completed the course to become 'buddies'; new volunteers would also help widen the support offered to all section of the community. The new mentors include both men and women of varied backgrounds

Read the Guardian article

Contact:

Cardio-vascular Specialist Team

Mohammed Sharif

Leeds Road Hospital, Maudsley Street BD3 9LH

01274 322958 mohammed.sharif@bradford.nhs.uk