03 March 2016
‘Up the Pace’ event aims to help young heart patients
Young patients with pacemakers and implantable cardiac
defibrillators (ICD) are being invited to attend a unique education
event in Bristol this Saturday, 5 March.
'Up the Pace' is organised by staff from the Bristol Royal
Hospital for Children's Cardiology Team and funded by The Grand
Appeal, the Bristol Children's Hospital Charity. The event aims to
help young patients and their families understand more about life
with a pacemaker or ICD.
Now in its sixth year, 'Up the Pace' is the only event of its
kind in the UK. The day includes exhibitions, talks and practical
workshops for younger and older children, and their siblings and
parents.
The sessions will be led by cardiac physiologists, cardiology
doctors, and specialist cardiac nurses who will provide lots of
valuable information, and encourage attendees to share their
experiences of living with a pacemaker or an ICD.
Stella Stuart, paediatric cardiac physiologist at Bristol Royal
Hospital for Children, said: "Around 20 children a year have
pacemakers or ICDs fitted in Bristol, so this event is really
important in helping them and their families to manage their
conditions, and helping develop mutual support.
"Our team hope that everyone attending the event will go home
feeling as though they have gained something; be it useful
information, an enjoyable experience or a new friendship.
"We are delighted to be hosting this event at the At-Bristol
Science Centre, where patients and their families will also get to
explore the exhibits on show free of charge. We are also thankful
to The Grand Appeal, which has provided the funding for us to put
on this event."
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