Ashford and St Peters Hospitals NHS Trust

Said Trevor: “I was delighted to be able to make this donation via my work with 2e2.   ICDC is a completely self funding group which provides important support for patients, their families and friends so that they can better understand how the implantation of a Cardioverter Defibrillator affects your life.    Our West Surrey group would not have achieved so much were it not for the generosity and ongoing support of  the West Surrey Cardiac Network, Woking Homes and 2e2.”      

2e2 Director Matt Franklin comments: “Trevor’s contribution to our multi million pound project for a major airports operator was significant.  We have followed his progress towards full recovery and in discussions with him recognised the valuable work done by Ashford and St. Peter’s Hospitals and ICDC.    Their work in saving and supporting lives puts day to day life into perspective and we were pleased to be able to be associated with such a worthy cause.”    

The West Surrey Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Club (ICDC) is a self funding support group run by volunteers.  It was formed in January 2007 and currently supports 170 patients who have had internal cardiac defibrillators fitted. More importantly, support is extended to the families and friends of these patients.  The support group is run by patients themselves.  ICDC is affiliated to Ashford and St. Peter's Hospitals and the British Heart Foundation.

Dr Ian Beeton, Consultant Cardiologist at Ashford and St. Peter’s and Patron of ICDC said: “The need to provide support post surgery was compelling, as many patients found themselves being alone, isolated and anxious about future prospects after leaving hospital.  In addition their partners, family and friends are often unable to cope with the change in circumstances and the day to day management of this condition.   Thus the support provided by ICDC is so important and puts the human factor back into what can be quite a traumatic and difficult experience for patients, their families and friends.”

 Whilst still early in our development, the ICDC Support Group has had very positive feedback from patients, cardiac specialists and doctors.  They produce four newsletters per year for their members.  The newsletter which illustrates thegroup’s aims and also highlights the way in which they seek to support their members.  The committee members are all patients & volunteers, whose previous roles in the community allow them to bring a unique blend of skills, knowledge and enthusiasm to the team.