"Incredibly efficient, caring, empathetic and supportive"

Unfortunately, I suffered a heart attack in March of this year and I have recently finished a fabulous eight-week Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme, delivered at Craigavon Area Hospital. The Programme was exceptional, the positivity outstanding, constant and infectious and I want to sincerely thank all the wonderful cardiac nurses and physiotherapists, who delivered and supervised the Programme.

When I was first invited to attend, I was somewhat hesitant and, perhaps somewhat arrogantly, felt that I wouldn't derive much benefit or gain much new knowledge from the Programme. However, I was completely wrong. Firstly ,through the various physical exercises and routines, I have significantly improved my general fitness and stamina levels and I feel much, much better, both physically and mentally, because of that. Additionally, I have gained critically important information, insight and knowledge regarding the physical exercises and fitness regimes, medicines and dietary guidance, recommended to improve the health and condition of my heart. 

Truly, I can't speak highly enough of all the course tutors, especially the incredible nurses and physiotherapists, who have been unfailingly friendly, helpful, humorous, informative and unbelievably supportive and positive, throughout every session. In particular, I would like to single out Sean and Diane, who provided constant support and tremendous encouragement to myself and the other attendees. They were always extremely positive, always smiling and unfailingly offered reassurance and encouragement to all of us, irrespective of age or ability, during all the various fitness routines and information seminars. They also answered all of our questions, some of which were relatively naive, succinctly and clearly. From these multiple interactions and conversations, it was very apparent that they had a very sound and detailed knowledge of the heart and all things associated with cardiac health issues, risk factors and the numerous things that contribute to improving the health of the heart.

The various guest speakers also provided very valuable information concerning medicines, diet and ongoing support services. Also, and very importantly, all the speakers communicated with the attendees in an uncomplicated and easy to understand manner and we all certainly learned important key facts and information, which will undoubtedly assist us in our recoveries.

The Programme also gave me and others a valuable opportunity to meet and become friendly with people with similar or other heart conditions and it was very instructive and beneficial to hear, not only of their health issues and problems, but also of the positive outcomes and very optimistic futures.

Therefore, in closing, I want to take this opportunity to thoroughly recommend the Craigavon Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme and the fantastic cardiac nurses and physiotherapists, who run it in such an incredibly efficient, caring, empathetic and supportive way. I also want to reiterate my sincere thanks to each and every one of my course tutors. They are a fantastic team!