What is being done and why
Nationally
NHS Long Term Plan Priorities17
CVD is a clinical priority due to its status as the leading cause of premature death, the plan aims to prevent over 150,000 heart attacks, strokes and dementia cases by 2029. The plan focuses on early detection and treatment of high-risk conditions: atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. There will be an expansion of genetic testing for Familial Hypercholesterolaemia and improved access to diagnostics for heart failure and valve disease. The plan will promote the ABC approach (atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, cholesterol awareness).
For Stroke, there is a national rollout of Hyper Acute Stroke Units (HASUs) for rapid treatment and 24/7 access to thrombectomy and stroke units. There is investment in community rehabilitation and therapy access and the use of AI and virtual rehab for stroke recovery18.
Public Health teams across England currently commission the NHS Health Check, which aims to identify, and reduce CVD risk. The check is for people who are aged 40 to 74 who do not have any of the following pre-existing condition.
Regionally
Health Innovation North East and North Cumbria (HI NENC)
Deliver a CVD Prevention Programme focused on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), disordered lipids, Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH), hypertension, atrial fibrillation (AF). They use validated search tools and cascade testing for early detection and promote a CaReMe (Cardio-Renal-Metabolic) approach. They support Primary Care Networks to meet Quality Outcomes Framework targets19.
North East Ambulance Service (NEAS)20
Runs community health MOTs which offer pulse, blood pressure and cholesterol checks; smoking and alcohol reduction advice; and referrals to GPs or stop smoking services. It targets areas of deprivation to improve uptake of NHS Health Checks.
Locally
Stroke Services – North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust21
Stroke Services include thrombolysis, TIA clinics, speech, physio & occupational therapy and psychological support for recovery. Cardiological
Cardiology Services22
Advanced diagnostics including Cardiac CT scanning; ECG, echocardiograms and stress tests; pacemaker follow-ups; and cardiac rehabilitation across four phases from hospital admission to long-term maintenance.
Heart Support North Tees and Hartlepool23
Offers exercise and relaxation classes and is funded by the National Lottery to support adults at risk of CVD. They accept referrals from GPs and cardiac rehab clinicians.
NHS Health Check
Hartlepool Public Health currently commission all GP surgeries across the town to deliver the NHS Health Check.