Our Heart Failure Support Group launched in October 2024, providing monthly support and information for people living with different stages of heart failure.
The group is led by Clinical Nurse Specialist Julie Wilcock, with support from the Hospice’s Wellbeing Team and pharmacist. Patients and their family members have learned about topics ranging from fatigue management to salt intake and medications.
Alexis from Hemel Hempstead explained what first drew her to the support group. “After my diagnosis, I felt a bit lost, lonely and isolated. What I find is that everyone in that room understands each other. When you’re talking to someone going through exactly the same thing as you, you don’t feel so alone.”
“One of the main things I’m getting out of it is coping strategies,” Alexis continued. “I learned how to deal with fatigue and what to do if you’re having problems breathing. It’s very informative. The pharmacist was so interesting; she went through all the medications. It makes you feel so much more relaxed about all of it.”
Julie, who leads the group, said, “I can see friendships developing already.”
Upcoming sessions will cover sleep management, advanced care planning, and heart failure symptoms.
Patient feedback for the group has been very positive, and with four new referrals in January, the group is expanding. The next group will be held in the Hospice’s Spring Centre on 27th February.
If you’d like to attend or find out more, please get in touch: https://www.stfrancis.org.uk/selfrefer
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