Yeovil Heartbeat was set up initially as a Cardiac Support Group at Yeovil District Hospital in 1990 and then registered as a charity in 1994.

At the start Cardiac rehabilitation did not exist in Yeovil until Steph Talbot, who was working as an Intensive Care Nurse at the time, recognised that a significant number of cardiac patients were being re-admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with recurring health problems, as there was no long-term care or health education for heart patients after discharge. She realised the need for further cardiac support for patients and founded the programme. Steph not only introduced this vital service, but she put her heart and soul into developing and supporting it and had an impact on many patients over the years. Sadly, Steph passed away in 2017. In her memory the gym was renamed to honour her and her contribution to the unit. We are proud to say that in 2003, Steph received an MBE from the Queen for her services to cardiac rehabilitation.

Since its inception its principle aim has been to establish and maintain a cardiac rehabilitation service that provides support for both in-patients and out-patients at Yeovil District NHS Foundation Trust Hospital. Through this service, patients who have suffered a heart attack, have had heart surgery or suffer from other heart related conditions, can undergo an individualised progressive programme of exercise and education whilst being monitored by specialist staff using a multi-disciplinary approach.

Many people with heart problems experience a psychological barrier which they have difficulty in overcoming without support.  They are encouraged to exercise but fear that this may worsen their condition or even lead to further heart problems.

The professional programme and multi-disciplinary approach which is fully supported by the Consultant Cardiologists, is designed to help individuals to return to their normal way of life as soon as possible.

Participants at every level express a boost in their self confidence obtained, not just through the program itself, but also as a result of their participation in the forum that it provides for them to discuss and learn about their personal doubts, worries, fears and problems and the chance to meet other people who have similar concerns.

The Cardiac Rehab Journey

Cardiac Rehabilitation begins in hospital with information provided by the team of specialist nurses. After they have been discharged, Patients are then invited back to the hospital into a gym class suitable for their needs dependent on the cardiac condition they were admitted with. These classes are run with a nurse and exercise Instructors present and are called “Phase 3” sessions (“Phase 1” is the initial stay in hospital and “Phase 2” is recuperation at home). Patients are usually offered a set number of classes to complete the initial Program.

“Phase 4” cardiac rehabilitation can be lifelong and some services refer patients to local gyms or for home exercise. Yeovil Heartbeat provides “Phase 4” exercise classes within Yeovil Hospital in a specialised gym, run by our specially qualified Exercise Instructors and can be started after successful completion of Phase 3. We see about 300 patients a year participate in “Phase 4” sessions. A small fee is charged to contribute to the costs of running the Phase 4 program.