The event was held at St Peters Hospital and was well attended.  The event updated all present in a number of areas:

• Tribute to Graham Skelding ( See Tribute )
• Resuscitation Skills Update
• New ICD technologies
• ICD Questions & Answers
• ICDC Surrey Website launch
• Annual Review (including: Achievements, Future Plans /Objectives: Treasurer's report, social events

Resuscitation Skills Update

Dr Beeton introduced Sister Sister Pat Little (Specialist Arrhythmia Nurse), Sister Therese (Specialist Heart Failure Nurse) and colleagues, Ashford and St Peter’s Hospital For Resuscitation skills update.

Pat and colleagues demonstrated and taught on how to help an unresponsive person. They highlighted that ICDs can treat cardiac arrest, but survival chances are improved when circulation and oxygenation are supported with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)-that is chest compressions(30) and rescue breaths(2). It is safe for the patient and resuscitator to perform CPR on someone with an ICD.We were Reminded to call for help (dial 999) when starting resuscitation.

Automated defibrillators (AEDs) are becoming very widely available and improve chance of survival from cardiac arrest in patients with and without ICDs.  When opened the AED will tell you exactly what to do.  In most cases ICDs do not get in the way of the adhesive defibrillator pads, but some patients have their ICDs on the right side and then the adhesive pads can be placed just below the left and right armpits. Early action and Post resuscitation care is important to restore quality of life. 

During the break patients and family were able to network and share experiences. They received supervised practice on the method of chest compressions. It was recommended that everyone learns how to deliver effective chest compressions. (See emergencies page for a video on how to apply CPR)

New ICD technologies- Mr Peter Sawires, Boston

Peter Sawires from Boston Scientific brought us up to date with the new technology of subcutaneous ICD.  As with all ICDs the pulse generator (battery) is implanted under the skin, but the lead is also implanted under the skin whereas with conventional ICD the lead is within the heart.  Subcutaneous ICDs will have a small share of the market, but are suitable for very young patients to avoid having to have multiple lead changes throughout their lives. Like all the different types of ICDs there are advantages and disadvantages.  We are fortunate to have a wide range of ICDs so that the best device can be chosen to suit each individual patient.

ICD Questions & Answers - Dr Ian Beeton, Consultant Cardiologist

The questions and answers session this year was harder than previous years because people generally don't like to think about receiving a shock from their ICD.  Patients who haven't had a shock mostly want to know what it is like to receive a shock.

Some of our patients shared their experience of shocks.  Experience varies, but most agreed that it feels like a kick from inside and often there is a bruised feeling in the chest for a few days afterwards.  The psychological impact of having a shock can be quite significant.  When there is a shock the ICD Team try and prevent further shocks by reprogramming the ICD and/or giving medication to prevent further dangerous heart rhythms that may require a shock.

Overdrive pacing called antitachycardia pacing is one method to treat a dangerous heart rhythm called ventricular tachycardia before it degenerates into full cardiac arrest called ventricular fibrillation.

There is advice on this website and in the Patient booklet as to what to do in the event of a shock from one’s ICD.

ICDC Surrey Website launch- Brian Hall

Dr Beeton welcomed Brian, a retired IT manager, and thanked him for his voluntary support and advice. Brian said the real motivators for the site were Graham and Judi who worked with him to create the website He illustrated the contents of website  (this website) and asked members to use contact details for any queries.

SITE STATUS. Now live on icdc-surrey.org.uk

Put link in your Smartphone, PC, laptop etc.

It is your site so let us have any ideas you may have for content or features.

We are still open to suggestions to better structure the information.

Annual Review

Review and Achievements of last year Mrs Judi Linney Vice Chair

We are pleased ICDC Surrey received Hero’s award from BHF. Also pleased with the launch of the Patients booklet which was written in partnership with clinicians and is full of useful information and advice for patients and families living with an ICD. Key tasks were - Initiating and developing dedicated website with voluntary help of Brian Hall and visiting key colleagues in Surrey Hospitals to encourage them to promote and contribute.

Future Plans /Objectives

A key priority is to develop channels of communication this year .We have been working closely in developing links with the Hospitals in Surrey. They have all been contacted and encouraged to be part of Surrey ICDC.  . This communication will be developed through our new Website.

We would be pleased to encourage new volunteers interested in joining the Committee and offering general support to new patients –training would be available as necessary.

Treasurers Report-Duncan Reid  

Duncan Reid the current Treasurer also welcomed everyone to Education Day. He informed us he has moved the accounting year to 1 January - 31 December to align with a more standard accounting format and the bank account activities spreadsheet reflects this. As a very low user account with the Bank, ICDC only receives a bank statement after a transaction has been processed by the bank .Duncan gave details of the account to date and said as a patient support group we need to be aware of the need to review and forward plan to enable us to continue to support patients and their family. He said if anyone wished to see the financial accounts they are welcome to contact him.

Social Events and Any other Items:

It was proposed that we Celebrate the 10th year ICDC Anniversary in Sept/Oct2016

As patients said they would  like to get together, network and share experiences propose plan social event this year-Will confirm in the summer.

Volunteers/assistance needed

Members were asked for their support to help make a difference to patients, carers and their families. If anyone had a few hours (or more) to spare please contact us.

Leaflets

Leaflets were available to express interest and help with: administration, website support organising events, offering support to patients e.g. home or hospital (training given).

More

To volunteer or find out more contact Judi Linney via our contact page.

Dr Beeton and Judi Linney thanked everyone for coming to the ICDC Surrey Education Day and Annual Review and thanked committee members and helpers for their support and help including Duncan for organizing the catering. Please do keep in touch with your ICD questions.

New Members always welcome