Patient input sought for Stroke and Heart Attack Groups

People across Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell who have experienced a stroke or heart attack, and their carers, are being asked to share their views to help shape health services. 

The Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull Cardiac and Stroke Network has two expert groups, the stroke steering group, and the cardiac clinical advisory group which advises commissioners. They are now looking for the involvement of patients and carers to inform and develop cardiac and stroke services. 

Involvement will take the form of attending meetings, and all travel expenses will be paid. 

The Network is currently undertaking a campaign to encourage the involvement of patients and carers, with eye-catching posters sent out to GP practices across the city, Solihull and Sandwell. The campaign has the support of the leading cardiac charities, the British Heart Foundation and the Stroke Association. 

Hardeep Kaur, Patient and Public Involvement Manager at the Birmingham, Sandwell and Solihull Cardiac and Stroke Network, said: “The engagement of service users and their carers in the planning of new services is pivotal to the work of the network, and is essential in helping us to learn from their experience. 

“We are looking for people from all walks of life who have had experience of stroke or heart attack, whether as a patient or a carer, to come along to our meetings and share their thoughts and ideas on the care they received and how it could be improved.” 

For more information, contact Hardeep on 0121 465 2970 or email hardeep.kaur@bsscsn.nhs.uk.