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Patient Information

Welcome to ‘Restart’ - our support group for all ICD patients under the care of Morriston Hospital, Swansea together with their partners, families and Morriston Hospital health care professionals.

• About Us:
• Your Committee:
• Meetings:
• Newsletter
• Directions:
• Contact Us

• provide a focus group for all ICD patients and their partners and families to discuss their concerns and problems and to share experiences.
• help patients with an ICD to regain their confidence and morale when experiencing problems.
• provide information on all topics that are relevant to ICD patients.
• publish a newsletter to members on a regular basis.
• organise social gatherings and events.
• liaise with health care professionals.
• make suggestions to Morriston Hospital ICD service that might be of benefit to all.

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Your Committee:

Secretary: Mr. Phill Abbott – e-mail: phill.abbott@btinternet.com
I am an ex BT Manager aged 56, married with two children and two grandchildren. My main interest is bowls which occupies a tremendous amount of my time being a player and administrator. I had my ICD fitted in April 2004 following a cardiac arrest whilst waiting for a train at Swindon station. Had one subsequent ‘event’ in July 2004 when my device triggered inappropriately.

Treasurer: Mrs. Carole Docherty – e-mail: david.docherty1@btinternet.com
Married to David, one of our Officers, I was a children's nurse and ran a residential children's home in Surrey. Now retired, I have "Cardiomyopythy" and have had an I.C.D. fitted. We have 4 children and 11 grandchildren

Officer: Mrs. Eileen Richards – e-mail: g.eileenrichards@yahoo.co.uk
I am a retired Civil Servant after 23 years service. I am married to Gordon and have 3 children all grown up and 3 grandchildren. My husband Gordon had an ICD device fitted after his event which was in October 2002. My role in joining the RESTART group is as a carer and also to offer support to others.

Officer: Mr. David Docherty – e-mail: david.docherty1@btinternet.com
Married to our Treasurer, Carole, I am a retired Engineer and ran a Scout Troop for 27 years. Interests are: bowls, gardening, reading, caravanning, and family. We get involved with local "Meals On Wheels" delivery service.

Clinical: Lead Mrs. Liz Williams - e-mail: liz.williams@abm-tr.wales.nhs.uk
I qualified as a registered general nurse in 1983. I have 18 years nursing experience in cardiology working as a coronary care sister for 11 years and as a cardiac rehabilitation co-ordinator for 7 years. I developed an interest in implantable cardioverter devices whilst studying for my MSc. I was appointed British Heart Foundation Arrhythmia Nurse Specialist in December 2007.

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Next Meeting for Restart ICD group will be held on Saturday 20th February 1.30pm- 3.30pm . The topic discussed will be Travel followed by refreshments and a chance to speak to other group members. Members are very welcome to bring partners or guests with them.

The second Restart ICD Support Group Meeting held on the 8th August was well attended with over 30 people present many of whom were attending such a meeting for the first time. The Chairman opened by giving some background to the formation of Restart and it's aims and objectives. He was followed by The Secretary who gave a brief summary of the administration of the group and the Treasurer who explained how the group had been funded so far. Liz Williams then gave an excellent talk and presentation on Exercising with an ICD which was both helpful and informative and resulted in a number of questions from the attendees. The meeting closed with a Q & A sesssion where a range of topics were raised/discussed. The topic that seemed to be occupying most people's minds was Travelling with an ICD so it was agreed that this was to be the main subject for the next suppport group meeting in February.

Our 3rd Annual Educational Day has been arranged for Saturday 7th November 2009 at 1.30pm -3.30pm. Dr Anderson will be speaking on home monitoring and follow up in ICD clinic, along with Liz Williams who will update everyone on the ICD Support Group Restart website and newsletter followed by Question and Answer session. The cardiac physiologists will be present and our ICD Support group committee. Patients their family and friends are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.
Patients, their family and friends are welcome to attend. Refreshments will be provided.

Meetings are held in the Postgraduate Centre at Morriston Hospital.
Car Park 1 is situated nearby. Directions from the car park are as follows:- turn right and then left up the hill towards the main hospital. You will pass the Outpatient Department on your right and then Postgraduate Centre is approximately 50 yards on the left.

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Newsletter No 1 - Summer 2009 View

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• To get directions to Morriston Hospital click here
• To see a Morriston Hospital Site Map click here

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To contact 'RESTART', please e-mail restart.group@btinternet.com

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