More than two–thirds of heart attack survivors in Northern Ireland are missing out on cardiac rehabilitation. At Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke, we are campaigning alongside the British Heart Foundation to ensure all eligible heart patients have access to high quality programmes enabling them to adjust to life after leaving hospital.

The Northern Ireland Campaign for Cardiac Rehabilitation was launched on 13 October 2009 by an alliance of patient organisations, health professionals and charities creating one powerful voice to champion the cause of cardiac rehabilitation.

The Northern Ireland Cardiovascular Health & Well–being Service Framework recommends that all patients identified as needing cardiac rehabilitation, in line with the regional guidelines, should be offered this service.

Currently, the Framework is carrying out preparatory work before setting targets. There is an urgent need to establish specific annual targets and to set aside money to make sure they are met.

The Health Service could save not only lives but also money by providing effective cardiac rehabilitation treatment to all heart patients. It is patently unfair that more than two–thirds of heart attack survivors in Northern Ireland  are missing out on a service that has been shown to improve quality of life dramatically.

Help campaign on Cardiac Rehabilitation in Northern Ireland
If you would like to help us campaign on this issue, you could write a letter to your local Assembly Member and Health & Social Care Trust. The document links below will give you guidance on campaigning and sample letters for you to download. Thank you!

Guidance on Campaigning for Cardiac Rehabilitation in Northern Ireland
Cardiac Rehabilitation Campaign Letter to MLA’s
Cardiac Rehabilitation Campaign Letter to NI Heath Trusts

Cardiac Rehabilitation Campaign Letter to NI Heath Trusts