Heart patients are advised on exercise, diet and stress

Patients in the Ystradgynlais area can now access a local service rather than travelling to the next nearest hospital - Morriston in Swansea.

The first group of patients is approaching the end of the eight week programme which aims to aid recovery by a combination of education, psychological support and exercise training.

The recent appointment of a third nurse to Powys Local Health Board's Cardiac Rehabilitation Team has allowed the service to be offered at Ystradgynlais as well as Brecon.

This local service means people who are not well don't have to travel the 10 miles to Morriston, where trying to park your car on its own is a major cause of stress Bryan Ford, patient

Alison Jones, Ystradgynlais' new Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse is based at the Abercrave surgery and has already established a new clinic in the area.

"It is so important to help patients realise they can lead a full life, even with heart disease if they look after themselves properly," she said.

Quadruple by-pass

"By supporting patients through each phase of their rehabilitation, we can help them stay on track, get their self confidence back and effectively manage their illness by changing their lifestyle."

According to the British Heart Foundation, chronic coronary heart disease affects about 2.6 million people in the UK and is the most common cause of premature death in both men and women.

Heart disease also has major economic consequences, costing the health care system an estimated �1.75bn a year.

One of the patients taking part in the programme is Bryan Ford who underwent a quadruple heart by-pass operation in February.

The service is extended from Brecon to the whole of south Powys

"This course has been of tremendous benefit to me and has relieved a lot of worry and stress since the operation," said Mr Ford, who is from Ystadgynlais.

"This local service means people who are not well don't have to travel the 10 miles to Morriston, where trying to park your car on its own is a major cause of stress."

The programme involves patients meeting up for a two and a half hour session twice a week.

The sessions include advice by a psychologist on how to give up smoking; how to follow an exercise routine and stress management.

Powys Local Health Board's Chief Executive Andy Williams said the new service underlined the board's commitment to keeping those hospitals at the heart of the community.

"They can bolster the range of health care services offered both in Powys and through the neighbouring district general hospitals," he added.