The Deputy Minister for Health & Social Care, Rhona Brankin MSP, today launched the second phase of Health Demonstration Project

Have a Heart Paisley.

Have a Heart Paisley has been working to reduce Paisley’s rate of heart disease – one of the worst in Scotland. In Phase Two, the demonstration project will work with its partners to deliver a targeted programme for the working age population and

those with Coronary Heart Disease, in Paisley.

John Mullin, Chairman of NHS Argyll & Clyde said,

“I would like to thank Rhona Brankin for coming along to the Centre today to launch the second phase of Have a Heart Paisley. It is only with the support of the Scottish Executive and the hard work of all the staff that we have managed to reach this latest stage in the development of the Project."

“I am also very pleased that so many people are making use of the facilities on offer and have experienced a positive benefit from the Project."

“The start of the second phase will now allow us to build on what has been achieved so far so that we can continue to work towards making a difference to the health of the people of Paisley.”

The second phase of the project was officially launched at the Health at Heart Centre at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, where the Minister had the opportunity to visit the purpose-built cardiac rehabilitation gymnasium and also speak to ex-patients and local people who have so far benefited from the project.

Bill Chambers, ex-patient of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme at the RAH said, “I attended the cardiac rehabilitation programme after having a heart bypass operation. From the first point of contact with staff I was made to feel at ease. I accessed the numerous services that are available at the Health at Heart Centre including group sessions with a dietitian and a clinical psychologist.

This, along with the continuous support and advice from the specialist staff has given me the ability to make a fast recovery and most importantly to gain the confidence I needed to have a healthy lifestyle. I’m now taking part in the community based exercise sessions at St Mirren Football Club and I really enjoy keeping active, as I feel much fitter than ever before. My whole experience of Have a Heart Paisley and the cardiac rehabilitation programme has been absolutely marvellous.”

Have a Heart Paisley has been working extensively over the past four years in involving the local community in a number of health projects.

St Ninian’s Men’s Drop In Group have been involved in a variety of healthy activities such as smoking cessation support, a healthy eating café and the Paisley Heart Award scheme.

Vic McDermid who attends the group said, “Over a year ago, I was smoking around 100 cigarettes a day and had never tried to quit. When I heard about the support that was available from Have a Heart Paisley I was willing to give quitting a try. A member of the tobacco team regularly visited the group, giving us help and advice. For me, the group environment was really beneficial, even with the support of my non-smoking buddies. I found quitting very difficult, but I feel that I’ve achieved a lot by cutting down to five cigarettes a day and maintained that over the past year.”

Have a Heart Paisley Project Manager Cath Krawczyk said, “I am delighted that the work and commitment of local people and other partners has been recognised and as a result Have a Heart Paisley is continuing into a second phase. The lessons that we learned from Phase 1, along with national and international evidence, have shaped the plans for Phase 2. The project will now focus on preventing the development of heart disease amongst the working age people of Paisley and providing support for those who already have heart disease."

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