Our Story
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. We are proud to say that in 2003, Steph received an MBE from the Queen for her services to cardiac rehabilitation.
Sadly, Steph passed away in 2017. In her memory the gym was renamed to honour her and her contribution to the unit.
Since its inception our principle aim has been to establish and maintain a cardiac rehabilitation service that provides support for both in-patients and out-patients at Yeovil Somerset 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. We also offer professional counselling to those patients who require it.
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.