Cardiac rehabilitation gives you and your family the information, support and advice you need to return to normal life.
Research has shown it can lower your risk of having another cardiac event such as a heart attack, help avoid being admitted to hospital and have a positive impact on your wellbeing and quality of life.
Following our cardiac rehab programme will help you develop a heart-healthy lifestyle and provide you with important psychological support for the anxiety and low mood that can be associated with a heart event or living with a heart condition.
St Richard’s Hospital cardiac rehabilitation programme
The St Richard’s Hospital cardiac rehabilitation service is certified by the British Association Cardiac Prevention and Rehabilitation (BACPR) and run by a specialist team of nurses, physiotherapists and exercise therapists.
This means we can provide a structured programme tailored to the individual needs of every patient. Together, we will work to manage or overcome your heart condition.
Support when you leave hospital
A cardiac nurse specialist will call you soon after you have been discharged from hospital and talk about your recovery and ongoing care.
They’ll give you advice and try to answer any questions you may have. As your case manager, they’ll provide you with clinical follow-up, including your individual cardiac risk factor management, and review your medicines and symptoms.
Exercise
We offer structured exercise programmes supported by cardiac exercise specialists. For some people home programme supported by our exercise specialists may be more appropriate than classes.
These exercise programmes will help you gain confidence, become fitter, and learn how to exercise safely.
Read more about our exercise programmeInformation sessions
We hold regular half-day education sessions to give you and your family information on how to reduce your risk of heart problems in the future. We cover diet, exercise, managing stress, anxiety and low mood, and understanding your heart amongst other topics.
The education sessions are a great opportunity to discuss any worries you might have and to chat to other people who’ve had similar experiences.
Read more about our information sessions programmeStress and anxiety
It’s not unusual to feel anxious or low in mood following a heart event. Most people start to feel better as time passes. Once they get back into their usual routine, the anxiety may start to reduce. Help is available for those who require more support.
Find out more about coping with stress and anxietyRelaxation sessions
We offer a regular programme of stress management sessions. At these sessions you can explore how you react to stress and learn about different relaxation techniques.
Read more about learning to relaxDischarge
We’ll liaise with your GP surgery as appropriate about your long term needs for monitoring and prevention.
Our closed Facebook group is for current and former patients, rehab staff and volunteers only. It has further support and information videos. We’ll give you more information about how to join when we speak to you.
Satisfaction
At the end of the programme you may be asked to fill out a satisfaction questionnaire. This is voluntary and anonymous and provides us with feedback to use in improving our service.