European praise for Rotherham heart campaign

Rotherham's work was praised by specialists at a conference held in Berlin aimed to increase the awareness of heart failure.

The recognition followed staff hosting the first ever Heart Failure Awareness day in the area.

Currently 2,000 Rotherham residents suffer from the condition which is affecting more and more people as the ageing population grows.

Megan Broomhead ,from Aston, suffers from heart failure and has been extremely grateful for the help received from Rotherham Community Health Services;

She said: “I feel like a new woman. I still get some symptoms but these are much better controlled and I know if I start to feel ill, my nurse specialists are always on hand to adjust my medication.”

Sarah Briggs is a specialist nurse and part of the Heart Failure Team at Rotherham Community Health Services.

She added: “We were really excited to launch the first heart failure awareness day in Rotherham and even more proud to have our work recognised across Europe.

“Heart failure is a problem for many people in Rotherham although they may not know they have it.

“People often put shortness of breath and swollen ankles down to getting older but we would urge anyone with these symptoms to visit their GP as early diagnosis and treatment can prolong a person's life and help manage symptoms more effectively.”

A four-step plan has been introduced to familiarise people with symptoms of heart disease.

For more information visit www.rotherham.nhs.uk/health/Heart-health.htm.

Could you be the Face of Chase? Click here to find out how you can be our magazine cover star AND win a photoshoot and a modelling contract.

Check our latest videos and picture galleries.