Affiliated to the Arrhythmia Alliance

           Welcome to the Web site of the North Gloucestershire ICD Support Group. Our Aim is to create a mutual self-help Group that offers information and support to people who have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) including their families and carers.

           Since formation over 3 years ago, our scope has increased and we now have members from many locations in Worcestershire, Oxfordshire, South Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, as well as the larger conurbation’s of Gloucestershire, including Lechlade, Swindon, Stroud and district, Fairford and the Forest of Dean, and Gloucester, Cheltenham, Tewkesbury and Cirencester.

           Members include those who have had ICDs fitted in Oxford, Bristol, Birmingham and Cheltenham/Gloucester and we aim to retain strong links with clinical staff from these centres.

Contact

           Should anyone require further information regarding the Group, heart arrhythmia or the specific problems of recipients of ICDs and their carers, do not hesitate to contact us via  info@icd-gloucestershire.org.uk

Our Objectives are:

• A telephone-based support service for those prior to, or recently discharged from hospital following the implant of an ICD.
• Facilitating an ongoing network of self-support amongst ICD patients and carers.
• Encouraging exchange of information and patient experiences via meetings at regular intervals.
• Disseminating information on our Web site. www.icd-gloucestershire.org.uk
• Liaising with health care professionals.
• Working as an alliance with other cardiac arrhythmia groups.
• Seeking answers to new questions raised by the group
• Raising funds for the Group and the Arrhythmia Alliance.

History

          The numbers of people who have an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) fitted to control life threatening arrhythmia is relatively small. Following discharge from hospital, generally they are not referred for any rehabilitation advice or support between routine hospital visits.  A number of ICD support groups have been formed in the country by health professionals or patients and their carers to fill this gap. Two such people in Cheltenham and their partners decided to establish an information and support group for North Gloucestershire and with the support of the Arrhythmia Alliance (www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk). The group is now formed and is affiliated to the Arrhythmia Alliance - The Heart Rhythm Charity.

         The Arrhythmia Alliance may also provide contact details including other support groups in the country.

Arrhythmia Alliance;
PO Box 3697;
Stratford upon Avon;
Warwickshire CV37 8YL

E-mail: info@arrhythmiaalliance.org.uk
Web: www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk
Tel: 01789 450787

Comments to  webmaster@icd-gloucestershire.org.uk