BHF welcome local cardiac triage hotline

The charity believes that people suffering heart attacks during the coronavirus outbreak may be putting their lives at risk by delaying seeking medical help.

Cardiologists believe there has been a drop of at least 20 per cent in the number of people seen in hospitals across the North with a suspected heart attack since the UK-wide lockdown, a BHF survey has found.

In response to the problem the Western Trust has set up a new 24 hour/ seven days a week telephone service.The triage hotline has been welcomed by the BHF NI.

Karen McCammon, BHF NI Health Service Engagement Lead, said: “Many cardiologists are anecdotally describing to us a dramatic decrease in the number of people going to A&E with suspected heart attacks. The Western Trust’s telephone service, that will see a cardiac nurse on the other end of the line advising people of the next step, will help ease people’s concerns but most importantly it will direct them to how best to access necessary treatment in these uncertain times.”

To access the service call 028 82833129 or 028 77246958.

She urged: “Our message is don’t delay because you think hospitals are too busy - the NHS still has systems in place to treat people for heart attacks and they are still a top priority.

Dr Susan Connolly, Western Health and Social Care Trust Consultant Cardiologist, added: “We are seeing a potential reduction in those having heart attacks seek medical attention in the Western Trust in the last month. This is very worrying as heart disease caused 1,100 premature deaths in Northern Ireland in 2018.

“Patients should not be afraid to seek medical attention if they are having chest pain. A&Es have created co-horted areas for Covid-19 patients and are well equipped also to deal with patients with non Covid-19 symptoms.”