Hospice nurse shortlisted for British Heart Foundation ‘Heart Hero’ award

A specialist nurse at local hospice St Barnabas House has been shortlisted for a British Heart Foundation ‘Heart Hero’ award.

Michaela Wheatley, Advanced Heart Failure Nurse Specialist at the Worthing-based hospice, was nominated for the award by the family of a patient she supported at the end of his life.

John Crammond (known as Ian) was referred to St Barnabas House by the Cardiac Unit at Worthing Hospital.

His grandson, Harry Finnigan, said: “Michaela visited Grandpa at home and went through some very difficult questions with my mum, aunt and Grandpa to ensure his wishes were met. She was with us the whole way until he died.

“Michaela gave us all more valuable time with Grandpa during his last few weeks and made his life more comfortable, enabling him to have a dignified death surrounded by those he loved.”

St Barnabas House made the decision in 2016 to introduce a new Disease Specific Nursing Team in order to provide specialist palliative care for patients with specific illnesses, including Advanced Heart Failure.

The Advanced Heart Failure Service aims to provide a high quality service, managing the symptoms and providing specialist support for the psychological and emotional needs that may occur as a result of Advanced Heart Failure.

Michaela first learned of her nomination for a Heart Hero award in April. On Friday 13 July she received an official invitation, confirming she had made it down to the final three nominees.

She said: “I feel very honoured to have been nominated for this award. I am really quite overwhelmed as it is always a wonderful feeling when our hard work and dedication is recognised

“It was a privilege to have been able to support Ian and his family and I am grateful that they have taken the time to pass on their thanks in such a lovely and thoughtful way. It really is important this service is recognised for the work we are doing here as the Advanced Heart Failure Service is still relatively new.”

The BHF Heart Hero Awards will take place at The Swan Restaurant, which is based underneath Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, on Friday 5 October 2018.

You can find more information about the Advanced Heart Failure Service provided by St Barnabas House at www.stbh.org.uk/heartservice