A-A ebulletin March

Catch up with this month's exciting AA-hosted discussions on developments since last year's new NSF chapter (you can still book for most of them, and they're free). You can also read about a new opinions website where patients can report on and rank their experiences of medical services; Great Ormond Street Hospital's plans to become a Foundation Trust, and how you can become a member; the chance to contribute to a BBC TV series, and some important dates for your diary. As ever, your interest and support are much appreciated: if you'd like to contact us, please email info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk

Our English Regional meetings are now under way, examining the developments since the launch of the CHD NSF for Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death, and highlighting best practice. The Arrhythmia Alliance are organising and hosting these meetings, which are supported by the Department of Health Heart Team and the Heart Improvement Programme. We hope to showcase the very best services and models at the UK Heart Rhythm Congress 2006 on the 19-21 September, with prizes for the top three Regional teams.
The meetings are bringing together interested regional experts in heart rhythm management and key leaders, such as cardiac networks, senior and junior clinicians, nurses working in (or considering) specialist nursing, commissioners and patient groups. There are still several meetings scheduled for March and we warmly invite you to attend. To book your free place or to see a draft agenda, please contact the Arrhythmia Alliance on arrhythmiaalliance@stars.org.uk as soon as possible

Here is the schedule of meetings:

North West Region – 27th February 2006 at Rookery Hall, Nantwich, Cheshire www.handpicked.co.uk/rookeryhall
North Region – 3rd March 2006 at Wood Hall, Linton, Wetherby, West Yorkshire www.handpicked.co.uk/woodhall
Midlands Region – 10th March at Ettington Park Hotel, Alderminster, Warks. www.handpicked.co.uk/ ettingtonpark
South Region – 27th March 2006 at Rhinefield House, New Forest, Hants www.handpicked.co.uk/ rhinefieldhouse
London Region – 9th March 2006 at London Bridge Hospital, 27 Tooley Street, London www.londonafcentre.com
South West Region - 17th March at The Southgate Hotel, Southernhay East, Exeter, Devon www.southgate-hotel.co.uk

There's lots of official information about the NHS available on the Internet – such as which Trust got 2 stars and what the MRSA infection rate is. But what people often want is to find out what other patients thought of local services. Patient Opinion is a new website where you can share the story of what happened to you at a particular hospital, or rate a service and see how what others thought of it. It covers all hospitals in England and by March will be able to accept stories and ratings of many private sector providers and mental health services as well. It's free to use at www.patientopinion.org.uk , or you can phone your story through on 0845 113 0012.

Skills for Health, the Sector Skills Council for the health sector, has developed draft competences covering Arrhythmia, Sudden Cardiac Death and Pacing. They are now available for consultation on the Skills for Health website at http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/development_summary.php?id=13 . The team are actively seeking input from patients and the public in general, so please send your comments on the competences to Chdphase3@skillsforhealth.org.uk

This year's Arrhythmia Awareness Week will be held from 12-19 September 2006. It will culminate in the first ever UK Heart Rhythm Congress in Birmingham (UK) from 19-21 September. If you haven't registered for the Congress, why not book your place now? This will be the first combined meeting of the Arrhythmia Alliance, Heart Rhythm UK and other medical and patient groups interested in cardiac arrhythmias. You can find out more at http://www.ukheartrhythm.org.uk / Places are going rapidly, so register today!

Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (GOSH) is launching a consultation on new plans to become an NHS Foundation Trust. This will mean that families will be more involved in the improvement of their services and the way in which the hospital is run. They would very much like hear from the public, particularly if your family has had to use our services in recent years. In particular, we would like you to help us by commenting on our vision and plans for the hospital, and considering whether you would like to become a member. The consultation runs from 27th February until 26th May. There is information for adults on www.gosh.nhs.uk/foundation and for children and young people on www.talk2gosh.nhs.uk . Alternatively, phone Louise on 020 7762 6761 or email foundation@gosh.nhs.uk to ask for the consultation document.

Process mapping workshop, assessing the development of arrythmia services across Essex . Five Lakes Resort, Tolleshung Knights, Maldon, Essex. 21 March 2006. 12.15 - 17.00. Details from Carol Doggett on 07880558792 or visit www.essexcardiacservices.nhs.uk

A new BBC 1 series will investigate the standard of customer service in the UK . Are you unhappy with the service you receive from your GP? Do you have difficulty getting an appointment? Have you been misdiagnosed or prescribed the wrong medication? Has an elderly relative been unfairly struck off a patient list? Or are you an overworked GP struggling to meet government targets? This could be a great way to raise awareness of arrhythmia-related issues. To contribute, email doctor@diversebristol.tv or call 0117 9858771.

I am a 4th year medical student at the university of Birmingham. As part of my course, I am conducting a project looking at the out-of-hospital services for people with an ICD. As well as seeing what help is available from a medical perspective, I am very interested to hear from people who have had an ICD implanted; to find out what services you have used, how easy it was to access them, how they have helped you/your family, and what you feel could have been done better. Your help would be very much appreciated: please email Sarah Reese at SLR211@bham.ac.uk or phone (evenings only) 0121 4155692.

As the genetic Support Development Worker at the Life Knowledge Park in Newcastle, I'm working with the Northern Genetics Service to identify the needs of local genetic support groups in the North-East. Our aim is to help establish a regional network of local genetic support groups where information can be exchanged and issues addressed. I therefore need to know about any genetic support groups in the region. If you're involved with one of these groups I would really like to hear from you. In addition, the Northern Genetics Service has facilities that can be used for genetic support group meetings. Please let me know if you would like to use them, of if you'd like to know more about my role. I can be contacted at alix.groom@ncl.ac.uk or on 0191 241 8837.

Pass it on!

If you've found this bulletin useful, why not forward it to a friend, colleague or members of your group and make sure as many people as possible know about the Arrhythmia Alliance?

You've got the ideas and the experience and we are listening. If you're 13 – 17 years old and want to be part of a new website project, join our focus group (one will be in Scotland – end June, one in London – early July). It will be fun, and we'll make it worth your while. To find out more email allend@bhf.org.uk .


If you cannot view this e-bulletin, it is available online here
Welcome to the Arrhythmia Alliance e-bulletin for March
Catch up with this month's exciting AA-hosted discussions on developments since last year's new NSF chapter (you can still book for most of them, and they're free). You can also read about a new opinions website where patients can report on and rank their experiences of medical services; Great Ormond Street Hospital's plans to become a Foundation Trust, and how you can become a member; the chance to contribute to a BBC TV series, and some important dates for your diary. As ever, your interest and support are much appreciated: if you'd like to contact us, please email info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk
See you at the meeting!
Our English Regional meetings are now under way, examining the developments since the launch of the CHD NSF for Arrhythmias and Sudden Cardiac Death, and highlighting best practice. The Arrhythmia Alliance are organising and hosting these meetings, which are supported by the Department of Health Heart Team and the Heart Improvement Programme. We hope to showcase the very best services and models at the UK Heart Rhythm Congress 2006 on the 19-21 September, with prizes for the top three Regional teams. The meetings are bringing together interested regional experts in heart rhythm management and key leaders, such as cardiac networks, senior and junior clinicians, nurses working in (or considering) specialist nursing, commissioners and patient groups. There are still several meetings scheduled for March and we warmly invite you to attend. To book your free place or to see a draft agenda, please contact the Arrhythmia Alliance on arrhythmiaalliance@stars.org.uk as soon as possible	Here is the schedule of meetings: North West Region – 27th February 2006 at Rookery Hall, Nantwich, Cheshire www.handpicked.co.uk/rookeryhall North Region – 3rd March 2006 at Wood Hall, Linton, Wetherby, West Yorkshire www.handpicked.co.uk/woodhall Midlands Region – 10th March at Ettington Park Hotel, Alderminster, Warks. www.handpicked.co.uk/ ettingtonpark South Region – 27th March 2006 at Rhinefield House, New Forest, Hants www.handpicked.co.uk/ rhinefieldhouse London Region – 9th March 2006 at London Bridge Hospital, 27 Tooley Street, London www.londonafcentre.com South West Region - 17th March at The Southgate Hotel, Southernhay East, Exeter, Devon www.southgate-hotel.co.uk
Amazon-type rankings for the NHS
There's lots of official information about the NHS available on the Internet – such as which Trust got 2 stars and what the MRSA infection rate is. But what people often want is to find out what other patients thought of local services. Patient Opinion is a new website where you can share the story of what happened to you at a particular hospital, or rate a service and see how what others thought of it. It covers all hospitals in England and by March will be able to accept stories and ratings of many private sector providers and mental health services as well. It's free to use at www.patientopinion.org.uk , or you can phone your story through on 0845 113 0012.
Arrhythmia draft competences - views welcome
Skills for Health, the Sector Skills Council for the health sector, has developed draft competences covering Arrhythmia, Sudden Cardiac Death and Pacing. They are now available for consultation on the Skills for Health website at http://www.skillsforhealth.org.uk/development_summary.php?id=13 . The team are actively seeking input from patients and the public in general, so please send your comments on the competences to Chdphase3@skillsforhealth.org.uk
Don't miss AAAW Week and UK Heart Rhythm Congress
This year's Arrhythmia Awareness Week will be held from 12-19 September 2006. It will culminate in the first ever UK Heart Rhythm Congress in Birmingham (UK) from 19-21 September. If you haven't registered for the Congress, why not book your place now? This will be the first combined meeting of the Arrhythmia Alliance, Heart Rhythm UK and other medical and patient groups interested in cardiac arrhythmias. You can find out more at http://www.ukheartrhythm.org.uk / Places are going rapidly, so register today!
Great Ormond Street needs your help
Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust (GOSH) is launching a consultation on new plans to become an NHS Foundation Trust. This will mean that families will be more involved in the improvement of their services and the way in which the hospital is run. They would very much like hear from the public, particularly if your family has had to use our services in recent years. In particular, we would like you to help us by commenting on our vision and plans for the hospital, and considering whether you would like to become a member. The consultation runs from 27th February until 26th May. There is information for adults on www.gosh.nhs.uk/foundation and for children and young people on www.talk2gosh.nhs.uk . Alternatively, phone Louise on 020 7762 6761 or email foundation@gosh.nhs.uk to ask for the consultation document.
Forthcoming events
Process mapping workshop, assessing the development of arrythmia services across Essex . Five Lakes Resort, Tolleshung Knights, Maldon, Essex. 21 March 2006. 12.15 - 17.00. Details from Carol Doggett on 07880558792 or visit www.essexcardiacservices.nhs.uk PD-accredited professional development conferences from Healthcare Events: Consultant Job Planning and Appraisal - Monday 6 March , Royal Society of Medicine, London Maintaining and Improving Clinical Performance in Surgery - Wednesday 15 March , Royal College of Surgeons , London Developing your Private Practice - Thursday 16 March , The Royal Society, London Healthcare Associated Infection 2006 - Thursday 30 and Friday 31 March , QEII Conference Centre, London Effective Medical Director - Thursday 25 April, The Royal Society, London Delivering Better Health Services - Tuesday 9 May, Savoy Place , London Effective Multidisciplinary Teams in the NHS - Wednesday 10 May , Manchester Conference Centre Proactive Risk Management: Beyond Incident Reporting - Wednesday 10 May, Manchester Conference Centre For more information about any of these conferences, please call Sarah on 020 8541 1399 or visit at www.healthcare-events.co.uk .
BBC needs contributors to new series
A new BBC 1 series will investigate the standard of customer service in the UK . Are you unhappy with the service you receive from your GP? Do you have difficulty getting an appointment? Have you been misdiagnosed or prescribed the wrong medication? Has an elderly relative been unfairly struck off a patient list? Or are you an overworked GP struggling to meet government targets? This could be a great way to raise awareness of arrhythmia-related issues. To contribute, email doctor@diversebristol.tv or call 0117 9858771.
Do you have an ICD?
I am a 4th year medical student at the university of Birmingham. As part of my course, I am conducting a project looking at the out-of-hospital services for people with an ICD. As well as seeing what help is available from a medical perspective, I am very interested to hear from people who have had an ICD implanted; to find out what services you have used, how easy it was to access them, how they have helped you/your family, and what you feel could have been done better. Your help would be very much appreciated: please email Sarah Reese at SLR211@bham.ac.uk or phone (evenings only) 0121 4155692.
Genetic support groups information
As the genetic Support Development Worker at the Life Knowledge Park in Newcastle, I'm working with the Northern Genetics Service to identify the needs of local genetic support groups in the North-East. Our aim is to help establish a regional network of local genetic support groups where information can be exchanged and issues addressed. I therefore need to know about any genetic support groups in the region. If you're involved with one of these groups I would really like to hear from you. In addition, the Northern Genetics Service has facilities that can be used for genetic support group meetings. Please let me know if you would like to use them, of if you'd like to know more about my role. I can be contacted at alix.groom@ncl.ac.uk or on 0191 241 8837.
BHF plans new teen website	Pass it on! If you've found this bulletin useful, why not forward it to a friend, colleague or members of your group and make sure as many people as possible know about the Arrhythmia Alliance?
You've got the ideas and the experience and we are listening. If you're 13 – 17 years old and want to be part of a new website project, join our focus group (one will be in Scotland – end June, one in London – early July). It will be fun, and we'll make it worth your while. To find out more email allend@bhf.org.uk .
Here's a selection of items of interest from the internet. Please note that these are external links and we bear no responsibility for their content. You may need to register to access these sites.
Depression Linked With Higher Risk of Cardiac Arrest - Medscape (subscription) - USA LifeVest keeps high risk cardiac patients mobile - In-Forum (subscription) - Fargo,ND,USA Common Gene Variant Linked to African American SIDS - CNN - USA Test Identifies Best Candidates For Implanted Cardiac Defibrillator http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/medicalnews.php?newsid=36792 Sudden Cardiac Death - WOWT - Omaha,NE,USA Women suffer hidden toll of heart disease - Scotsman - United Kingdom Cardiac Emergency - Natural Products Industry Insider - Phoenix,AZ,USA Need to Diagnose and Prevent Cardiac Diseases to Strengthen ... - PR Newswire (press release) - New York,NY,USA Engineered heart tissue offers insights into irregular heartbeats ... - Innovations-Report - Germany Six Reasons To Treat Insomnia - Fashion Monitor Toronto - Canada Abnormal Beating of the Heart: Cardiac Arrhythmias - DailyIndia.com - Niskayuna,NY,USA FDA Panel Urges Warnings on Ritalin and Other Stimulants - New York Times - United States Heart mapping technique guides catheter repair of arrhythmia - Johns Hopkins Gazette - Baltimore,MD,USA Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillators Expanding Indications and ... - Journal of American Medical Association (subscription) - Chicago,IL,USA Find out about a rare heart condition that threatens the life of a ... - GMTV - UK Report on sudden cardiac death to be published soon - Irish Medical News - Dublin,Ireland Portable ultrasound systems allow for cardiovascular fitness ... - Genetic Engineering News - Larchmont,NY,USA When Dick shot Harry -- or just another tale of rural peril - Times Online - UK More funding to tackle heart disease inequalities across Wales - 24dash.com - Hereford,Herefordshire,UK Spreading word about adult form of cot death syndrome - Croydon Guardian - Croydon , England , UK Early Intervention With ICDs: Saving Lives And Money - Medical News Today (press release) - UK Origin of rare heart condition found - Monsters and Critics.com - Glasgow,UK Treating Children With Irregular Heartbeats - WCCO - Minneapolis,MN,USA New Procedure for Heart Condition - ABC News - USA Catching Waves to Spot Cardiovascular Risk - CNN - USA Sudden death: Medicine tries to get a grasp on athletes' heart ... - Ithaca Journal - Ithaca,NY,USA Indiana Doctor Performs Procedure That's First in the Nation - Inside INdiana Business (press release) - Indianapolis,IN,USA Cisco, Philips, and Emergin collaboration delivers wireless ... - MTBeurope.info - UK PACEMAKER PIONEER DR. SEYMOUR FURMAN DIES - New York Post - New York,NY,USA Telemetry captures stroke patients' cardiac problems - News-Medical.net - Sydney,Australia Gene Test Could Spot Athletes' Cardiac Risk - Forbes - USA Fainting spell shows medicine's uncertainties - Boston Globe - United States Screening could save young lives - Belfast Telegraph - United Kingdom Engineered heart tissue offers insights into irregular heart ... - Xagena.it - Italy Gene test for heart risk - Health24.com - Cape Town,South Africa Amiodarone and Sotalol helps prevent shocks from implantable ... - Xagena.it - Italy -
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