North Gloucestershire ICD Group

Affiliated to the Arrhythmia Alliance

Promoting better understanding, diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for individuals with cardiac arrhythmia.

Our Aim is:

• To create a mutual self-help Group that offers information and support to people who have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) including their families and carers within Gloucestershire.

Our Objectives are:

• A telephone-based support service for those prior to, or recently discharged from hospital following the implant of an ICD.
• Facilitating an ongoing network of self-support amongst ICD patients and carers.
• Encouraging exchange of information and patient experiences via meetings at regular intervals.
• Disseminating information on our Web site. www.icd-gloucestershire.org.uk
• Liaising with health care professionals.
• Working as an alliance with other cardiac arrhythmia groups.
• Seeking answers to new questions raised by the group
• Raising funds for the Group and the Arrhythmia Alliance.

History

     The numbers of people who have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted to control life threatening arrhythmias is relatively small. Following discharge from hospital, generally they are not referred for any rehabilitation advice or support between routine hospital visits. A number of ICD support groups have been formed in the country by health professionals or patients and their carers to fill this gap. Two such people in Cheltenham and their partners decided to establish an information and support group for North Gloucestershire and with the support of the Arrhythmia Alliance (www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk). The group is now formed and is affiliated to the Arrhythmia Alliance - The Heart Rhythm Charity.

     In the first instance we may limit the scope of coverage to the Cheltenham, Gloucester and Tewkesbury areas, whilst encouraging and helping to establish equivalent support groups for other parts of Gloucestershire. If you are interested, please contact info@icd-gloucestershire.org.uk.

     The Arrhythmia Alliance may also provide contact details.

Arrhythmia Alliance;
PO Box 3697;
Stratford upon Avon;
Warwickshire CV37 8YL

E-mail: info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk
Web: www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk
Tel: 01789 450787

Comments to webmaster@icd-gloucestershire.org.uk