New and updated resources for patients
We have a range of resources available for patients and their families:
- Heart Helpline – expanded hours mean patients or their loved ones can speak directly with one of our specialist nurses about any queries or concerns any day of the week;
- Coronavirus and you information hub – the latest information and guidance on coronavirus, from its impact on people with heart and circulatory diseases to coping with the loss of a loved one during lockdown;
- HealthUnlocked – our online community where people can connect and support each other and speak to others who have had similar experiences.
Please do signpost constituents towards this content and consider including this information on your own website or social media. Here is a suggested tweet to help promote these resources:
Do you have questions about managing your heart condition or about what the Covid-19 coronavirus means for your condition? You can speak to the @TheBHF specialist nurses through their Helpline or visit their online support hub for more expert information. https://bit.ly/2XKdfdS
Impact on urgent care
Data has shown that the number of people presenting with a suspected heart attack in A&E departments across England has dropped by 50% since the beginning of March – potentially leading to unnecessary deaths and significantly poorer outcomes for people who do survive. We asked cardiologists across the UK what they thought was causing this drop:
- 71% believe people are afraid to visit hospital during the Covid-19 crisis due to fear of being exposed to the virus;
- 46% believe people are worried about putting pressure on an already overburdened NHS.
We are urging anyone who experiences symptoms of a heart attack or stroke or worsening of their heart condition to seek medical help immediately by calling 999. Please encourage your constituents to seek medical help at the earliest opportunity if they are in urgent need.
Supporting research during the Covid-19 pandemic
The BHF, as the largest independent funder of research into heart and circulatory diseases, is doing everything we can to protect our currently-funded research that will undoubtedly lead to new treatments and cures for these diseases, but we’re also directing our research efforts to fight the virus directly. This includes:
- Supporting our researchers, many of whom are doctors and cardiologists, to return to the NHS frontline to fight Covid-19 directly or ensure heart patients continue to receive the care they need;
- Enabling our research facilities and infrastructure to be used for vital work such as testing for the virus – a key strategy in moving out of lockdown; and
- Launching a new initiative to identify and support flagship research projects that will help us better understand why people with heart and circulatory conditions are at greater risk of Covid-19 and how this can be addressed.
