The Sussex Heart Charity made a significant contribution to the improvement of cardiac care in Sussex by trailblazing the first Sussex-based Advanced Clinical Practitioners at a cost of £500,000.
The new service has completely revolutionised the care that heart patients receive in Sussex, and this has been recognised by the prestigious Best Cardiac Nursing and Allied Health Professional Team of the Year award by The Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland.
This award was presented to the Sussex Cardiac Centre Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Surgical Practitioner Team, who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in sharing best clinical practices locally, nationally, and internationally.
Thanks to the Sussex Heart Charity’s funding, the ACP project has resulted in several impressive initiatives that have enhanced the care of cardiac patients at the Sussex Cardiac Centre. These initiatives include a wound surveillance app that monitors surgical wounds to identify patients early and prevent infections, as well as Lung ultrasound and Echo competency to enhance post-operative care. Telephone follow-up clinics for discharged patients and a pre-optimising haemoglobin service to ensure patients are prepared for surgery are also among the new developments.
The team’s active promotion of patient involvement and engagement has ensured that patients, families, and communities have increased opportunities to access the best evidence-based and clinical care.
Overall, the Sussex Heart Charity has played a pivotal role in developing this service.
The ACP project has led to improved continuity of care and the sharing of information, benefitting all patients at the Sussex Cardiac Centre.
The team’s dedication and commitment have earned them national recognition and have made a significant contribution to the field of cardiac care.
