New post to benefit Western Isles heart patients

Heart patients in the Western Isles are to benefit from the creation of innovative new healthcare posts by British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland.

The nation’s heart charity has awarded nearly half a million pounds for nine Health Care Assistant (HCA) posts across the UK who will help existing teams of BHF nurses in the community.

One of these posts is now based at the Health Centre, Stornoway, in the Western Isles, with Gemma Mackenzie recently appointed.

Marjory Burns, Director of BHF Scotland, explained: “While the post of HCA is not a new role in the NHS, it is new and innovative to BHF Scotland. We’ve recognised that caseloads are getting bigger and there are more pressures on our community nursing teams.

“Welcome this news.”

“The HCA will provide vital support to our existing teams which can only benefit patients.”

The role of the HCA is recognised nationally and the Royal College of Nursing’s HCA adviser Tanis Hand said: “HCAs will be an enormous asset to the BHF teams. They will free up time for the registered nurses to focus on the more complex clinical issues. HCAs are already established as valued members of nursing teams in many settings and make great contributions to the overall quality of patient care.”

NHS Western Isles Chief Executive, Gordon Jamieson, said: “We are very grateful to BHF Scotland for providing the funding for this two-year post, which will support the invaluable work of the heart failure nurses and Cardiac Rehabilitation Team. Patient experience of this community-based service is very good, and I am sure they too will welcome this news.”

Hebrides Today brings you the latest news from the Western Isles