We’re delighted to introduce our new ‘Caring for Your Wound After Heart Surgery’ booklet!
The booklet combines content from two previous versions into a single, updated resource, that will support patients as they recover from heart surgery.
Recovering from heart surgery doesn’t end when a patient leaves hospital. Knowing how to care for a surgical wound at home is an important part of the healing process, helping to reduce the risk of infection and giving patients the confidence to recognise when they may need to seek medical advice.
Our new booklet has been developed to provide clear, practical guidance that patients can refer to throughout their recovery.
The booklet is now with the cardiac unit team at RSCH – and every patient will receive a copy when they are discharged from hospital.
The booklet includes easy-to-follow information on:
- Understanding your wound
- Wound care do’s and don’ts
- Recognising the signs and symptoms of infection
- How to get help and advice if you have any concerns or symptoms
The booklet comes with a ‘Post-Cardiac Surgery Infection’ medical alert card, designed to help patients recognise warning signs of infection. Patients will be encouraged to keep this card in their wallet, ensuring they have easy access to information on the key ‘red flags’ of infection along with contact details for the surgery team should they notice any concerns with their wound.
We were delighted to supply these medical alert cards to the team last year, supporting their commitment to improving patient care and reinforcing the importance of early intervention.
The SHC is committed to creating resources that help patients feel informed, reassured and empowered throughout their journey. We hope this new booklet will make a real difference to patients and their families by providing trusted advice exactly when it’s needed most.
“This is a great piece of work and thanks to the Sussex Heart Charity for your support with funding this for us, this is greatly appreciated. This will support our patients post discharge to help reduce the incidence of surgical site infections” – Cameron Bishop (Head of Nursing – Cardiothoracic/ Cardiology Directorate – RSCH/ Worthing/ SRH /PRH)
A HUGE thank you to Gina (pictured below with the booklet), whose expertise and clinical knowledge were invaluable in developing the booklet. We’re incredibly grateful for her time, support and dedication in helping us create a resource that will benefit so many people recovering from heart surgery.
“I would also like to extend our sincere thanks to Sussex Heart Charity for supporting the design and production of these materials. We hope they will be a valuable addition to the patient journey and will look fantastic displayed at the entrance to the unit. Thank you all for your support in ensuring every patient receives this important information before they leave hospital” – Gina Kealey (Specialist Surgical Site Infection Surveillance Nurse)
Every new booklet or leaflet we produce is made possible through collaboration with the NHS cardiac unit staff and thanks to the generosity of our supporters. Together, we’re helping to improve the experience of patients, not just in hospital, but throughout their recovery journey. ❤️
