Local cardiac networks

Cardiovascular services are increasingly being planned, commissioned and developed through managed clinical networks.

England

More information on the role of Cardiac Networks in England can be found in the Department of Health / NHS Modernisation Agency document Establishing and Developing Cardiac Networks (PDF)

A list of Cardiac Networks that have developed website based resources is shown below.

There are several other types of network developed at local level. A helpfuln example can be found on the Department of Health North West Cardiac Research Nurse Network website.

Ireland

Here are some useful networks which are developing web-based resources to support cardiovascular nurses working in the province. 

CREST (Clinical Resource Efficiency Support Team)

Established in 1988, CREST comprises 20 NHS health care professionals who have an active interest in promoting clinical efficiency. Acting on suggestions from medical colleagues, they commission small sub-groups or task forces to address specific topics.  Their work in cardiovascular care includes:

CREST launches Guidelines for the Investigations and Management of TIA (transient ischaemic attack) on 11 October 2006.
 
Email:  christine.smith@dhsspsni.gov.uk 

Cardiac Alliance Group

Serving the Eastern Health Board in Northern Ireland and developed with Big Lottery funding, the Group was formed to promote partnership working between health care staff, voluntary agencies and patient representatives. Their aim is to develop awareness of cardiac rehabilitation issues. The 2006 annual meeting is taking place on 10 October 2006. Details can be obtained from ihare@nichsa.com

Northern Ireland Cardiac Rehabilitation Forum

This group of nurses work in cardiac rehabilitation and secondary prevention. They collaborate to promote cardiac rehabilitation, standardise and share good practice within the province to push forward improvements in service. They also have an educational remit. 

For further information, email the secretary, Denise Duggan: denise.duggan@homefirst.n-i/nhs.uk 

Northern Ireland Heart Failure Forum

This group operates along similar lines to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Forum. For further information email Bernie.downey@mater.n-i.nhs.uk 

ACPICR (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Cardiac Rehabilitation)

On 2-3 March 2007, ACPICR are holding a course at Belfast City Hospital entitled Exercise prescription: new insights and the management of the complex patient. 

For further information and an application form contact Maria Mooney; email maria.mooney@bch.n-i.nhs.uk or telephone 028 9026 3826.

The Regional Cardiac and Cardiology Services Network is currently being set up in Northern Ireland.  There are currently three clinical advisory groups:

  • Heart failure
  • Cardiac Rehabilitation to include Primary and Secondary prevention
  • Revascularisation to include Acute Coronary Syndrome Management.

Scotland

Send in your information on your local networks to: cardiovascular@rcn.org.uk

Wales

Cardiac Network Co-ordinating Group (CNCG)

The CNCG brings together the three regional networks with additional expertise.

Its key functions are to assist the Welsh Assembly Government in setting the strategic direction of cardiac services and advising on policy relating to cardiac issues. It also acts as a resource and support to the Regional Networks

Chair: Ms Fiona Peel
Cardiac Network Co-ordinating Group
3rd Floor, 14 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LH
Tel: 02920 196173
Email: fiona.peel@cncg.wales.nhs.uk

Network Co-ordinator: Ms Elizabeth Gould
Cardiac Network Co-ordinating Group
3rd Floor, 14 Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9LH
Tel: 02920 196173
Email: elizabeth.gould@cncg.wales.nhs.uk

Cardiac Networks Wales

The Cardiac Networks of Wales were established in September 2002 to take forward the implementation of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease.

The three Regional Networks:

  • Bring together key players across a geographical area to agree cardiac service provision, investment decisions and developments in accordance with Tackling Coronary Heart Disease in Wales and Implementing through Evidence
  • Promote equity in heart disease service provision from primary prevention to tertiary care
  • Work with partner organisations to reduce inequalities in health in relation to coronary heart disease
  • Co-ordinate effort through co-operation, thus increasing capacity and making best use of limited resources.

For HOWIS intranet users the cardiac intranet can be found at: http://howis.wales.nhs.uk/cardiacnetworks

All contact details referring to the implementation of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease in Wales are to be found on this site.

The contact details for each of the Cardiac Networks Co-ordinating Group and the three Regional Cardiac Networks are below:

Within Wales there are two interest groups, one for cardiac rehabilitation and one for heart failure. Further information about these groups and their activities may be obtained through the Chairs.

Welsh Cardiac Rehabilitation Group

Chair: Denise Lewis denise.lewis@ceredigion-tr.wales.nhs.uk

Welsh Heart Failure Group

Chair: Jackie Austin jackie.austin@gwent-tr.wales.nhs.uk