"Cardiac Rehab Service"

I was offered Cardiac Rehab after having a stent fitted at Pinderfields in November 2014. I had no idea what to expect from Dewsbury Hospital after hearing wildly differing stories (I have only been in the area for a short time). The assessment visit to the hospital was informative and friendly, having previously had off hand treatment (not in this NHS Trust) I was grateful for this. After completing the tests, I was offered the tai chi classes. I found these classes to be a great help, they were fun and friendly, but I am well aware that they have a serious purpose, which they fulfilled. Although there is an informal atmosphere, you are watched over closely and help is immediately available for anyone who gets into difficulty. Having completed the course I feel I have benefitted (not least having a new found ability to tell left from right) and will be taking up the referral to the PALS scheme. I would like to take this opportunity to praise the entire Cardiac Rehab team and thank them for their help over the last few months. I am aware that this team's future at Dewsbury Hospital is in doubt and can only say that I think it would be a huge mistake to centralise this service to Pinderfields. I certainly would not have attended this course if it had meant travelling to Wakefield. In my opinion, services such as this should be local to give the greatest benefit to the largest number.