Fairfield General Hospital’s irregular heart rhythm service treats 1,000th patient

David Biggs, Arrhythmia Specialist Nurse for Cardiac Services with patient

The cardioversion service, which treats patients with irregular heartbeat rhythms, is celebrating after treating its 1,000th patient.

This nurse led service provides electric shock treatment to rectify irregular heart rhythms for patients with atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter.

The service, which launched in 2010, treats patients through outpatients clinics, day surgical wards and theatres. Patients from Rochdale Infirmary, The Royal Oldham, and North Manchester General are treated, as well as patients from Fairfield General Hospital.

Patients with atrial fibrillation can often suffer symptoms such as breathlessness, palpitations and fatigue. Those who successfully cardiovert to a normal rhythm, usually report they feel much better following the procedure.

David Biggs, arrhythmia specialist nurse. said: “I am very proud of the cardioversion service which has now performed 1,000 cardioversion procedures. The service has improved waiting times and has also saved the Trust money through more efficient use of theatre time and moving to one site.

“It has also improved the communication between the service and the patients. We now provide information booklets and direct telephone contact, which frees up vital time for senior cardiologists to provide other services.

“It is hard work, but very rewarding when patients tell me they are feeling much better as a result of cardioversion treatment.”

Prior to setting up the service, cardioversions were done at all four hospitals at The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, and it was normally a doctor’s responsibility.

The Northern Care Alliance NHS Group is made up of two Trusts, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust and The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. There are five hospitals and community services in the group, Salford Royal, The Royal Oldham, Fairfield General Hospital in Bury, Rochdale Infirmary and North Manchester General.