Northamptonshire heart attack rehab classes praised by patients

Barry Lilley and Frank Thomas have become friends through the class

A 72-year-old man who had a heart attack has said an NHS rehab class has been "absolutely central" to his recovery.

Barry Lilley, from Weston Favell in Northampton, attended the sessions run by Northampton General Hospital (NGH).

A specialist cardiac team have been running the exercise classes to support patients with heart problems.

"I cannot stress enough just how valuable and enjoyable the whole thing is," Mr Lilley said.

The programme, which received £85,348 of funding from NHS England, operates at NGH, Danetre Hospital in Daventry and community venues in west Northamptonshire.

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As well as providing rehabilitation for patients who have had a heart attack, it also supports those diagnosed with heart failure.

Funding for the project will last until March.

The class runs at community venues in Northamptonshire

Speaking at a class held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northampton, Mr Lilley said: "These classes have been absolutely central [to my recovery].

"There's a sense that you're helping yourself but you're also helping each other - confidence is the key word here."

Before beginning a class, which consists of a warm-up, circuit training and warm-down, patients undertake a workout assessment, where their heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen levels are measured by nurses.

'Great support network'

One of Mr Lilley's new friends from his class, Frank Thomas, 70, also from Weston Favell, started the programme after having a heart valve replaced.

He said: "It was a bit daunting... but you realise there are likeminded people here.

"It's very comforting to know there is not only support, but you bond with other people, and you spur each other on during the class.

"It's a great support network."

Sharon Brown said the service was aimed at preventing people being readmitted to hospital

Sharon Brown, a cardiac rehab specialist nurse, said a similar service had been suspended during the pandemic.

But following the recruitment of an exercise instructor in May, the hospital restarted the programme.

"Since then though, we have been working to rebuild and expand the service and as part of this we made a bid to NHS England," Ms Brown said.