Cardiac rehabilitation
What is cardiac rehabilitation?
Cardiac rehabilitation is a programme of health advice, psychological support and exercise. It has been clinically proven to aid recovery following a heart attack or heart surgery. It also helps to lower your chances of suffering a heart attack in the future.
Cardiac rehabilitation is split into four phases. During each phase there will be a qualified nurse available to give you any advice or information you need.
Phase 1
Phase 1 usually takes place in hospital. Patients are given advice about risk factors and guidance about their recovery. Information leaflets about the service are also provided.
Phase 2
After you come out of hospital you will be contacted by one of our specially trained district nurses. They will arrange a suitable time to visit and will offer you health education and support on a one to one basis. They will also be able to give you more information about phases 3 and 4. N.B If you haven't heard anything after the first week, please call one of our co-ordinating nurses, their details are below.
Phase 3
Phase 3 normally starts about a month after your heart attack or surgery, and lasts for about 8 weeks. It consists of health education, exercise and relaxation, and is offered in group sessions, normally at a local leisure centre. These sessions are staffed by nurses, fitness instructors and physiotherapists. You are welcome to bring along a friend or relative to these sessions. There are plenty of times and venues available so you can pick the one that is best for you.
Phase 4
After you have finished phase 3, your cardiac rehabilitation nurse will help you to move into a long term programme to help you stay healthy. You will be able to attend fitness classes and if you have chronic heart disease your GP will give you an annual check-up.
Who is eligible to receive the service?
This service is offered to anyone who has suffered a cardiac event, heart attack, heart surgery or cardiac intervention.
Our specially trained nurses treat each person individually and will do their best to tailor a programme that best suits your needs based on your health and fitness levels.
Contact details
If you live in Alnwick, Berwick, Hexham, Prudhoe or Ponteland and would like more information please contact:
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Primary care cardiac rehabilitation and vascular disease nurse
Tel: 01665 511733 (Monday to Friday, 9 – 5pm)
If you live in Morpeth, Cramlington, or Blyth Valley and would like more information please contact:
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Primary care cardiac rehabilitation and vascular disease nurse
Tel: 01670 542930 (Monday to Friday, 9 – 5pm)
Useful leaflets
If you need to request a copy in large print, or in another format or language please call 01670 394522.
