The Sussex Heart Charity was deeply honoured to attend the Sussex Cardiac Centre Surgical Unit for the unveiling of commemorative plaques dedicated to the memory of the late Mr Andy Forsyth—renowned Cardiac Surgeon and former Chairman of The Sussex Heart Charity.
Andy Forsyth was a visionary leader whose contributions changed the landscape of cardiac care in Sussex. In 1999, he established Brighton’s Cardiac Surgery Unit with a clear mission: to create a first-class, local cardiac service that could treat patients closer to home, eliminating the need for them to travel long distances for life-saving procedures. His unwavering commitment to this goal made an enduring impact on the healthcare system and the thousands of individuals whose lives were transformed by his exceptional skill and compassion.
Throughout his remarkable career, Andy was more than a gifted surgeon; he was a pioneer. He championed the use of data collection and analysis to refine surgical methods and improve patient outcomes, long before such practices became the norm. This forward-thinking approach laid the groundwork for the unit’s expansion into a recognised centre of excellence, attracting some of the brightest minds in cardiac medicine and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation. His legacy earned him the enduring title of “the father of the Sussex Cardiac Centre.”
Andy was also a devoted supporter and guiding force for the Sussex Heart Charity, serving as Chairman for many years. His friendly demeanor, immense knowledge, and unrelenting dedication made him a mentor, collaborator, and inspiration to everyone involved. Under his leadership, the charity was able to grow its impact, supporting cutting-edge initiatives, funding pioneering research, and forming crucial partnerships with the Sussex Cardiac Centre. He played a pivotal role in enabling the charity to drive forward projects that improved patient care and expanded access to life-changing treatments.
The commemorative plaques unveiled in his honour are a poignant reminder of his extraordinary contributions and the countless lives he touched. Andy’s legacy extends far beyond his surgical achievements—it lives on in the enhanced care available to heart patients across Sussex and the ongoing work of the charity he helped to shape. His vision, passion, and kindness continue to inspire us, and his memory will remain at the heart of everything we do.
As we move forward, we remain committed to building upon Andy’s incredible foundation, striving to make a lasting difference in the lives of those facing heart-related challenges. His legacy of compassion, excellence, and service will guide us as we work to enhance cardiac care across Sussex for generations to come.
