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Heart Failure Nursing Service

Working to improve the holistic care of patients with heart failure.

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Information about our service

This service may be running differently, for example, offering virtual appointments.

Please see your appointment letter for details or contact the service. 

Keep up-to-date with the latest information, read our page on Coronavirus or our update on the COVID-19 vaccine.

Contact us

Speak to one of the teams close to you:

Ashford / Thanet / South Kent Coast / Canterbury  
0300 123 1412
kcht.cardiacservices@nhs.net (this is for East Kent only)

Maidstone and Weald, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells
0300 790 6859
kcht.LRUwestkent@nhs.net

Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Please note, the service in Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley is provided by Virgin Care.

Who we are

The Heart Failure Service (also known as the Cardiac Nursing Service) provides care and support to patients living with certain types of heart failure.

What we do

We follow national guidance in the treatment and management of our patients. We work to improve the holistic care of patients with heart failure, supporting primary care in effectively managing patients diagnosed with heart failure, to improve quality of life, reduce hospital admissions and to improve access to palliative and end of life care, when necessary. Our heart failure specialist nurse works in partnership with GP’s, community district nurses, community matrons, case managers, other specialist nurses and consultants providing clinical advice and support in the community. We support patient management, with a large focus on self-management, and then transfer care back to the GP once the patient is stable.

Our service is available in both east and west Kent offering a mix of telephone, video consultation or face-to-face appointments. Face-to-face appointments may be in a clinic or at the patient’s home, if housebound.

What is heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition where the heart is not able to pump the blood around the body properly. It is a long term condition that can lead to a variety of symptoms including breathlessness, fatigue and fluid retention in the feet, ankles, abdomen or lungs.

There are different types of heart failure and the management of them is different. Some types will be managed by our service while others will be managed by the patient’s doctor.

How do you use this service?

You need to be referred by a GP or healthcare professional to use this service.

Emergencies

Acute chest pain – if you develop sudden chest pain, call 999 immediately especially if the pain:

  • spreads to your arms, back, neck or jaw
  • makes your chest feel tight or heavy
  • also started with shortness of breath, sweating and feeling or being sick
  • lasts more than 15 minutes.

Acute breathlessness – if you develop sudden breathlessness and struggling to breathe, call 999 immediately.

Cardiac arrest – sometimes the heart changes into an abnormal rhythm that stops it pumping blood around the body. People will become unresponsive and stop breathing. Without emergency help, the person will die. Phone 999 for help and immediately start CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation).

What can I do to help my heart failure?

Monitoring:

  • Monitor your weight daily, if possible.  This should be measured first thing in the morning after going to the toilet and before breakfast.  Please keep a record of your weight.  If your weight increases by 2kg or 4-5lb in 2-3 days, contact your health care professional for advice.
  • You may wish to buy a home blood pressure monitor. Keep a daily record of your blood pressure and heart rate.  This will help your health professional manage your condition.
  • Check your abdomen, legs, ankles and feet daily for swelling.
  • Escalate any new symptoms of shortness of breath, swelling, palpitations or chest pain appropriately.
  • Be mindful of fluid intake as directed by your health care professional.

Lifestyle modification:

  • Stop smoking, maintain a healthy balanced diet. Be mindful of salt and alcohol intake.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Be active.
  • Reduce stress. Look after your mental health and well-being.

Consider getting vaccinations:

  • Ask your GP about the influenza and pneumonia vaccines.

Medications:

  • Do not stop taking any medications without consulting your healthcare professional
  • Ensure your repeat prescriptions are collected in a timely manner so you do not run out.

Helpful information from other websites

98%

Friends and Family test (FFT) score

(Feedback from July to September 2021)

Your comments

June 2020
Thanet

It gave me security in that I hadn't been forgotten and the ability to ask as many questions as I needed in a comfortable environment. In addition, it has been reassuring to learn blood pressure etc is where it should be without having to visit the GP or even having to go the the A&E Dept when in doubt about something.

June 2020
Paddock Wood

I was looked after well and was treated properly. Very useful for my health. Very happy.

May 2020
Ashford

(Staff name) is always willing to explain everything really well - the support I have received is excellent and I would recommend this service to friends and family.

May 2020
Thanet

The service treats you as an individual. Staff listen to you, they are contactable and always return calls.

May 2020
Dover

(Staff name) is a fantastic listener. (Staff name) gives great advise and support. Thank you everyone for your help.

May 2020
Dover

The district nurses were very good. Better than very good awesome. (Staff) name is very suportive. It was the most enjoyable appointment we havd to go to. I am worried that (staff name) will retire. I do not want to lose this service and (staff name).

April 2020
Thanet

The specialist nurse is very attentive, understanding and helpful. Her care and attention has helped improve my confidence.

March 2020
Ashford

I’m so happy to see the doctor (staff name) as she is very professional and she has a very good attitude.

March 2020
Paddock Wood

Always very professional; turns up on time, pleasant, answers questions you my have, they will liaise with you and your doctor.

February 2020
Ashford

Communication betwwen my cardiac nurse, (staff name) and GP is extremly good. I receive copies off all the correspondence which if find very helpful. Helped me to have a discussion with a really good listener in (staff name). She took the time to let me talk about my problems.

January 2020
Thanet

The care given by the heart nurse is amazing. So much care and consideration is given.

January 2020
Ashford

I was listened to. (Staff name) has taken me for who I am and she is just wonderful.

December 2019
Paddock Wood

(Staff name) is very professional. Very knowledgeable and reliable. She explains things very carefully.

July 2019
Paddock Wood

The service was friendly and relaxed and everything was explained in a professional but understandable way.

July 2019
Thanet

This is an excellent service. Extremely caring people help to reassure patient constantly. I personally felt very safe under the care plan.

July 2019
Paddock Wood

Good friendly nurse; I feel comfortable in her care.

June 2019
Paddock Wood

Nurse was very considerate and knowledgeable, and thorough in what she did.

June 2019
Thanet

Staff so caring and efficient. She takes time to listen and has helped me tremendously.

February 2019
Thanet

(Staff name) is very supportive. I know I can ring her if I have any concerns or problems. Very understanding and kind.

February 2019
Ashford

Can't fault the treatment that I have received. Very easy going and I have had no problems.

February 2019
Sevenoaks

Very happy with the care and consideration.

February 2019
Canterbury East

(Staff name) and her colleague were kind and sympathetic and made me feel that it wasn't just a job and that they really cared about helping me with my heart problems.

January 2019
Maidstone

Efficient, knowledgeable, professional. Explains in detail and in a language of a lay-person. Very sympathetic.

January 2019
Ashford

Relaxed, Helpful and informative.

January 2019
Sevenoaks

Hopefully nobody I know will ever get heart failure but if they do they'll be in good hands with the nurses in the heart failure service.

January 2019
Sevenoaks

Nurse couldn't have been more understanding or helpful.

June 2018
Maidstone

Kindness, making things easy to understand. Helpful. Pleasant to talk to. All questions answered.

June 2018
Sevenoaks

Having individualised focus has help me to think proactivety & positive about my illness I have felt fully involved in process of managing my health it has stopped the panic and fear.

June 2018
Canterbury East

Very pleased with the thorough investigation of my problems and action taken which had positive results

May 2018
Faversham

I have been very satified with the treatment I have receved over the past months and witout it im sure I wouldnt be here today .

May 2018
Thanet

The service have been tailored to my needs specifically and has given a focus to me carrying goals and the trainer has been positive and encouraging at all times answering any queries etc.

May 2018
Canterbury East

The expertise and kindness of your specialist nurse is excellent.

May 2018
Herne Bay

Should anyone need this service I can very highly recommend it. Everyone is so nice and approachable, very friendly.

April 2018
Dover

All excellent professionals from the Ashford cardio ward where my treatment carried out and full support of nurses aftercare.

April 2018
Maidstone

Very satisfied with the service received today. The information given to me was helpful and reassuring. I look forward to seeing the results of my new medication and the effects of the changes made.

March 2018
Canterbury

The staff have all been professional, efficient and friendly on every occasion.

February 2018
Thanet

Very satisfied with support given consequently felt less vulnerable. Helped me to be positive.

January 2018
Maidstone

Very helpful, explains what is happening. Asked good questions, involved in what is happening. Daughter phoned to speak to nurse, very helpful.

February 2018
Thanet

The nurse demonstrated experience and confidence that boosted my confidence in the future management of my condition.

December 2016
Thanet

A caring response from all staff with knowledgeable decisions taken to promote my health.

December 2016
Maidstone

Very pleased with the thorough care given and being given extra care and reassurance.