Become Affiliated - How And Why
Introduction to the AA affiliation scheme
With the increasing numbers of cardiac devices being implanted throughout the UK, there are an increasing number of patient groups being established. These are currently a mixture of some patient led only, some nurse/physiologist led and some patient and professional led groups. Different groups meet monthly, quarterly, biannually or even annually.
There is the need for networking and standardisation of the information that is provided to arrhythmia patients and partners/carers. It is also necessary for each group to have professional input. Due to these concerns, the following guidelines have been produced to ensure that patient groups reach a national standard with regard to the patient information available.
Affiliation of a patient group to Arrhythmia Alliance will have a number of benefits for individual groups and their members. Most importantly, the link to such an organisation will enhance a group’s credibility. It also means that the group has access to advice, support and information that is accredited and endorsed by the Department of Health and independent medical professionals who sit on the Arrhythmia Alliance Executive Committee. Participation in such a scheme will ensure that groups countrywide perform to a nationally recognised standard.
Affiliation is free and there are only a few guidelines that groups must comply with. Groups will remain independent yet will profit from the partnership that is created.
ARRHYTHMIA ALLIANCE OFFERS AFFILIATED GROUPS:
- Accredited information booklets, fully endorsed by the Department of Health
- Involvement in the charity’s active projects and campaigns
- Helpline support and advice
- Free hosting and design of group website
- Advertisement of group events & meetings on A-A website and monthly e-bulletins
- Free patient & carer membership
- Signposting of patients to groups
- Funding advice
- Group management guidance & support
- Discounts on events/meetings the Charity are involved in; e.g. the annual Patients’ Day at the Heart Rhythm Congress
- Help in setting up new groups so that they may be affiliated to the nationally required standards
- Links and contacts with other groups in the UK to promote networking.
- Support at group meetings whenever possible
OPTIONAL:
- Accreditation of local groups’ information leaflets by the Arrhythmia Alliance Executive Committee
REQUIREMENTS FOR AFFILIATION:
Groups Must:
- Fully comply with the Aims & Objectives of Arrhythmia Alliance as approved by the Charities Commission
- Have a governing document, whether this is a constitution or outlining its aims & objectives.
- Ensure that the group is set up in partnership with patients, carers, healthcare professionals & Arrhythmia Alliance
To ensure that a national standard is reached, it is suggested that groups use the DoH accredited Arrhythmia Alliance information booklets.
Click here to download ‘Guidelines to Establishing a Patient Group’
Click here to download ‘Patient Group Affiliation Application Form’
Click here to download ‘Translation and Use of A-A Materials Contract’
The Arrhythmia Alliance logo may only be used with prior permission and for specific projects. Endorsement and accreditation of a group’s publications must be sought should the group wish the Arrhythmia Alliance logo to appear in any group publications.
Patient groups may publish the phrase; ‘Affiliated to Arrhythmia Alliance – The Heart Rhythm Charity’ once the declaration has been signed.
Arrhythmia Alliance reserves the right to disaffiliate a group at any time if it fails to meet the affiliation requirements or acts in such a way so as to bring the name and reputation of the charity into disrepute.
Arrhythmia Alliance is unable to provide funding for groups but will provide funding application advice.
Arrhythmia Alliance is not legally responsible for the actions, activities or insurance policies of individual groups.