What's an AF nurse?

[IanB48]

Have read a lot of comments about members who see their AF nurse or go to AF support meetings. I'm intrigued because I live In Truro and I've not encountered these at all! Is it because medical provision in Cornwall is poorer or have I missed something?

[jennydog]

In my experience they are attached to Cardiology units. I have not seen one at our local hospital but there are several at the Regional Hospital where the EPs are based. They give out their contact phone numbers as they are easier to contact than the EPs.

[IanB48 in reply to jennydog]

Thank you for the information.

[BobD Volunteer]

Technically they are called Arrhythmia Nurse Specialists or arrhythmia nurse for short. They are usually attached to those centres who perform ablations and have EPS.

Bob

[IanB48 in reply to BobD]

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

[jeanjeannie50]

I see my arrhythmia nurses at my local hospital, where my cardiologist is. My EP is at a different hospital about 30 miles away. I usually go to see them when I'm in AF and awaiting a cardioversion, they monitor me weekly then.

Jean

[IanB48 in reply to jeanjeannie50]

Thanks, Jean. Good to know they are out there!

[Loo53]

I saw my trials nurse/arrhythmia nurse yesterday at LHCH.

[Hidden]

I wish they had them in Wales! They may do in Cardiff I guess. Us rural peeps don't have the same sort of sophisticated services that the more urban folks do, that's for sure.

[IanB48 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply. Yes, that's my impression too!

[kindred]

Yes I'm seeing the Arrhythmia nurse at UHW (Heath Hospital), in Cardiff

[Hidden]

G'day Ian,

To the best of my knowledge there is no support group in Cornwall. You would normally expect to find an AF nurse associated with an AF Clinic. Dunno if Treliske has a Clinic but where I am down Hayle way there is nothing. Fend for yourself - typical of the way the south west is treated. Everything down here (health transport, infrastructure etc. ) is so London or Manchester centric don't hold your breath for anything startling to happen. Before I retired I lived in Surrey, totally different approach. But then Surrey is wealthy and Cornwall isn't. And ..... forget about GP's moving out of the dark ages ...... ain't gonna happen anytime soon.

Incidentally, I think our nearest support group is Torbay ...... Torbay for gods sake !!

Maybe we should set one up

Cheers

John

[IanB48 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the reply, John. Yes, much as I love Cornwall, things do seem a bit backward with regards to AF support. Perhaps your idea of setting up a support group could have legs. Surely there's enough of us in the area to do something?