11 February 2020
Bristol Heart Institute patients and staff star in feature-length documentary
The work of the Bristol Heart Institute (BHI) and its specialist
staff are being highlighted in a 90 minute film, bringing to life
the impact of cardiovascular disease on patients and their
families.
'Deep in the Heart' follows the story of four patients, who were
filmed over several months in 2018 at the BHI and at home, coming
to terms with the realisation that their lives could be cut short
unless they change their lifestyle.
Staff from across the hospital are shown diligently caring for
and treating these patients, as well as therapists providing
post-operative rehabilitation at home.
The film, produced by Rockhopper Media, challenges the audience
to think about the choices they make and what happens to someone
once they've experienced a health scare.
Franco Ciulli, consultant cardiothoracic surgeon, operated on
two of the patients in the film. He said:
"It is a privilege to be a surgeon in this profession, and to
have sick patients put their lives literally in our hands.
"The most satisfying reward for me is to send patients back to
their loved ones in the knowledge that we have restored some
longevity and quality of life to them.
"Being given the possibility to show the work we do on a
day-to-day basis was a wonderful opportunity for all our team.
"It was an experience in itself to be followed at work and
particularly into the operating theatres; however the most
extraordinary part for me was seeing the patients back with their
families.
"The film is able to not only draw out the personality of
everyone involved, but it does so while weaving in those all
important messages about looking after your heart."
Stephen Dorman, a consultant cardiologist who was featured
treating one of the patients who was admitted through the
hospital's chest pain clinic, said:
"Taking part in the filming for Deep in the Heart turned out to
be a real privilege and an education.
"The production team had a real passion for telling the
patients' stories and captured them beautifully, filming with them
after treatment and allowing us to see them in a way we never
usually get to as clinicians.
"In confronting their own mortality, patients with heart disease
often gain a fresh perspective on what matters in life.
"While our medical interventions are effective they are
complimentary to a more active or healthy lifestyle, and not an
alternative to it.
"The hard work begins when the operation or procedure is
finished, and we want to support our patients to make whatever
changes they feel able to."
Pat, one of the patients which the film follows, was in hospital
for 19 months after suffering a stroke. We see her rehabilitating
at home with a personal trainer and coming to terms with life after
a serious illness.
"Rehabilitation takes years, with small changes making a massive
difference. My goal when I came home was to be able to walk to the
shops independently, no matter how long it took.
"It was a lesson in resilience, and I was determined to do it,
but it was hard to say if or when I'd reach my goal.
"Luckily I was able to achieve it, and have done so many times
since, but I'm still seeing improvements and am so grateful for all
the help I've had.
"Being part of the film was very interesting and I was pleased
to do it, as I hope it helps other people going through the same
thing. As long as you put the effort in, and find the right
support, you can make it."
Richard Wilson, executive producer at Rockhopper Media,
said:
"Thanks to the incredible support and patience of the Bristol
Heart Institute, we've been able to capture the moment of truth we
have all imagined with dread, when a consultant tells us that the
tests and scans have revealed an urgent need for life-saving
treatment.
"Almost everyone knows that smoking, alcohol, drugs, inactivity
and excess sugar can hugely increase the likelihood of heart
disease, but what do we do about it?
"In various ways, all of the patients featured gradually woke
up, literally and metaphorically, to face the reality of the damage
they have done and the second chance they had to get their life
back in balance."
Deep in the Heart is available to buy or rent from
11th February.
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