Community Heart Failure Service

Patient Information Leaflet

• This leaflet will help you to understand why you have been referred to the Community Heart Failure Nursing Service.
• It will explain who we are and how we can best support you living with heart failure.

What is Heart Failure?

• Heart failure is when the heart cannot pump blood as well as it should.
• This can be because there is something physically wrong with the heart or something stopping it from working properly.
• You may have experienced symptoms such as shortness of breath, feeling weak, or swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.
• Heart failure is a long-term condition that can be treated with medication.

Why have you been referred?

• You have been referred to the service by your GP or hospital doctor because you have been diagnosed with heart failure.
• The diagnosis has been confirmed by a consultant Cardiologist (specialist heart doctor).

Who are we?

• We are a team of specialist heart nurses based in the community.
• We are part of an integrated team which means that we work closely with other heath teams like your GP and your hospital Consultant.

How can we help?

• We will provide you with ongoing monitoring and support from our community-based clinics.
• This means that we will check your blood pressure and your weight, help you to manage the medication you take for your heart, take a blood test if needed, etc.
• We will encourage and support you to become an 'expert' in managing your condition.
• We will invite you to attend one of our local heart failure clinics (see below).
• At the clinic your first appointment will be one hour long.
• We will complete a full assessment of your physical, psychological, and social needs.
• We will review your medication and help you to understand your medication regime.

Clinics are held in Islington and Haringey at:

• River Place Health Centre

• Goodinge Group Practice

• Hornsey Rise Health Centre

• Hornsey Central Neighbourhood Health Centre

• Lordship Lane Primary Care Centre

• You must bring your medications to this appointment

UPBEAT- Heart Failure Patient Forum

• This is a support group for patients with heart failure.
• Here you can discuss your condition with other people who have heart failure.
• The meetings are held every 2-3 months and have both an educational and social focus.
• You, and the people who support you, will be invited to attend by your Heart Failure Nurse.

How to contact the Community Heart Failure Nursing team

• Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 Tel: 020 7527 1719 (Leave a message and your contact details)

• Email: whh-tr.myheartfailurenurse@nhs.net

• Please contact your heart failure nurse, GP or call NHS 111 if you have noticed any change in your usual symptoms or activities:

  • Increased Breathlessness
  • Waking at night feeling short of breath
  • Increased leg swelling
  • If your weight goes up or down quickly for example 1-2kg or 2-3 pounds in three days
  • Dizziness or giddiness