Justin Tomlinson MP is Vice Chair of the APPG for the Heart and Honourary
President of the Swindon British Heart Foundation
Patients suffering from a common but little-known heart defect are being diagnosed more rapidly thanks to a new initiative pioneered by Great Western Ambulance Service.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a heart rhythm disorder that affects almost two per cent of the UK population – many of whom do not realise they have the condition. Patients in Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and the former Avon who dial 999 feeling unwell are now automatically screened for AF when attended by a paramedic but do not need to be taken to hospital.
Dave Coates, GWAS Clinical Development Manager, has worked with the Atrial Fibrillation Association (AFA) to introduce the screening process in GWAS – the first ambulance service in the country to develop the scheme.
He said: “The scheme effectively incorporates the AF screening process into the clinical assessment of patients who do not need to go to hospital following their 999 call.
“Once the GWAS clinician on scene has made that decision, they now screen for undiagnosed AF or a high blood-pressure reading. If that shows the patient has AF or hypertension, they are provided with advice and information and the GWAS clinician will also give the patient a notification letter for their GP.”
Patients with AF have a significantly higher risk of suffering a stroke, while the condition also costs the NHS an estimated £1.8billion a year. Earlier diagnosis of the condition through schemes such as the one pioneered by GWAS can reduce the human impact and the financial impact on the NHS.
Since the GWAS initiative was introduced earlier this year, ambulance clinicians have been identifying around four patients with AF every month.
“Simply by having that early and cost-effective diagnosis, the risk of these patients going on to suffer a stroke can be significantly reduced,” said Dave.
GWAS Chief Executive Ken Wenman, a qualified and still active paramedic himself, said: “Our scheme is a prime example of how ambulance services continue to evolve from being a purely emergency service. We are increasingly seen as the mobile arm of the NHS, with an important role to play in diagnosis and prevention – always with the aim of doing what is in the best interest of our patients.”
Justin Tomlinson MP, Honourary President of Swindon British Heart Foundation said "I am delighted to see the introduction of this scheme and the real difference it is making to patients in the area. Early diagnosis is key and the scheme will hopefully help reduce the risks of strokes to AF sufferers. I am delighted that the GWAS is blazing the way in this area."