Specialist nurse adds to clinical services for hospital’s heart patients

The nurse-led service is for people with atrial fibrillation – a common abnormality of heart rhythm – and has been set up with the support of the stroke and cardiology departments.

The new clinic will be held every Friday morning in the outpatients’ department – alongside the existing consultant cardiology service.

Atrial fribrillation occurs in about one per cent of people under 60 and about 10 per cent of people aged 80 and over.

The condition is not life-threatening but can result in heart palpitations, fainting, dizziness, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Atrial fibrillation nurse specialist Annette Squires will run the clinic.

“Quite often individuals are not aware that an irregular pulse can mean that they have this condition. It’s so important to check with your doctor as early treatment can prevent serious illness,” she said.

“Although it is linked to several cardiac conditions, atrial fibrillation can also occur in otherwise normal hearts. The main risk associated with atrial fibrillation is an increased risk of stroke which can have such devastating consequences.

“The aim of the clinic is to have rapid access for newly-diagnosed patients or those who are strongly suspected of having intermittent atrial fibrillation.

“The clinic will also be able to provide rapid investigations as well as advice and support for patients starting on treatment.”

The hospital is run by the Scarborough and North East Yorkshire Healthcare NHS Trust.