August Meeting 2010 - April Meeting 2010 - Dr. Harni S. Bharaj (Consultant Physician, Bolton Diabetes Centre).
Another return speaker - by special request! Dr. Bharaj once again gave us the benefit of his experiences as a diabetes consultant. His talk included an explanation of the difference between type-1 and type-2 diabetes and the purpose of insulin in the digestive process. The Doctor concentrated on type-2 diabetes, describing some of the early symptoms, the significance of the blood glucose test and explaining the importance of a balanced diet. Numerous questions were put to Dr. Bharaj and at the end of the evening our members had a better understanding of diabetes and the relationship between diabetes and heart/stroke conditions.
A very interesting meeting! March Meeting 2010 - Suzanne Lomax (Matron, Royal Bolton Hospital).
Suzanne, a returning speaker, gave a very interesting and informative talk to forty or so members. She referred to the National Stroke Strategy launched by the Department of Health in 2007 and stressed the need to raise public awareness about strokes and how to identify them. What happens after a stroke is something that always gives concern and Suzanne described the follow-up, care, support and rehabilitation which takes place within and from the Royal Bolton Hospital. The hospital now has a high dependency unit with specially trained staff and a support group. We were told that in general, throughout the health service, there has been a vast improvement in knowledge in the last few years. Suzanne said that she usually gets a lively response from our group and this was no exception. Many varied questions were received and answered.
Thanks again, Matron! Christmas Buffet - 16th December 2009
The December meeting was a social event attended by sixty members together with the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton, Dr. Peter Scott (our President - left on photo.) and Mr. Norman Prince (our Patron). (Our Chairman, Anne Kaneen is second left on the photo.).
At the start of the evening, everyone enjoyed a buffet supplied by Hunters Caterers. The Mayor then gave an interesting talk about his year in office so far, his own experience of heart problems and his admiration for the activities of all the Voluntary Sector groups within the Borough. Dr. Scott spoke of his long involvement with our Group and commended it for it's work and close liaison with the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit at Royal Bolton Hospital. Norman Prince endorsed the comments made by the previous speakers, briefly referring to his own experiences with other groups and then went into top gear with an hilarious finale of jokes and humour which had everyone "in stitches". Always a hard act to follow, one of our members took on the challenge and sent us on our way with a couple of comical monologues. DECEMBER 2009 - ALL THE BEST TO JOHN !
Our member, John Sibbles has resigned after serving on the committee for several years. John played an active part as Membership Officer and in other areas and always greated people with a friendly smile when carrying out "door duties" at our meetings. We thank John for his input and wish him all the best for the future.
OCTOBER 2009 - MANY THANKS TO IAN
FOR HIS STERLING EFFORTS OVER THE PAST EIGHT YEARS.
Our committee member, Ian Brooks, has decided to resign as a trustee due to other committments. Ian has given a dedicated service to the Group over the past eight years being involved particularly in fundraising and networking with other organisations. Whenever something needed doing you could always rely on Ian to have some input and get things moving. He has said that he can always be co-opted to help with a specific task. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best SOCIAL AND FUNDRAISING DINNER - 5TH SEPT. 2009
Held at Bolton Old Links Golf Club
The above dinner was an open ticket event, attended by 110 members and supporters, many of whom had attended our previous dinner and knew they could expect another "good night out".
An excellent four-course meal was once again prepared and served by the staff at "Old Links" and the compere for the evening was the Bolton Cardiac Support Group's patron, Mr. Norman Prince - broadcaster and entertainer.
The guest speaker was Dr. Kevin Jones, a consultant at the Royal Bolton Hospital, who is an hilarious after-dinner speaker.
A lively and energetic dance duo (supplied by Katz Korner) gave two dance interludes which included swing, lindyhop and jive from the 1930-50's eras.
Committee members didn't miss the opportunity to organise a raffle with prizes including a halogen oven, bottles of wine and spirits and other desireable items.
More than £1,600 was raised for the Group and will be used for the hire of premises for meetings and exercise/taichi classes.
The Bolton Cardiac Support Group's committee would like to thank the Bolton Old Links Golf Club, Dr. Kevin Jones, Mr. Norman Prince and all those who donated cash and raffle prizes, provided room and table decorations and helped to make this a very successful and enjoyable evening.
B.B.
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 September Meeting 2009 - A warm welcome to Dr. Sastry!
The meeting, attended by over forty members, welcomed Dr. Sanjay Sastry on his first visit to the Group. After spending a year at one of the leading French hospitals, The Institut Jaques Cartier in Massy, Paris, Dr. Sastry returned this year to the Royal Bolton as Consultant Cardiologist.
His presentation was entitled "A Year in Cardiology Abroad" and he explained the differences between the French and English way of teaching cardiology and the procedures relating to diagnosis and treatment of cardiac problems in France. His main interest is in percutaneous coronary intervention which refers to the technique of cardiac catheterisation and angioplasy as opposed to coronary bypass graft. In his presentation, Dr. Sastry gave an overview of this technique using very effective animated graphics to show a blocked artery before, during and after the "widening" procedures.
Dr. Sastry then answered numerous questions put to him by members which reflected how well his talk had been received. I'm sure he'll be on our list of "returning speakers".
B.B. AUGUST 2009 - WELCOME TO OUR NEW TREASURER, ALAN PARKER
Alan has been a committee member for the past two years and has taken over from our previous treasurer, Brian Birchall. Brian had held this position since 1999 and will stay on the committee with other responsibilities. We wish Alan all the best in his new role! August Meeting 2009
Stuart Smith, the emergency response Paramedic and Training Co-ordinator at Manchester airport, was our speaker in August and what an absorbing, informed and at times humorous talk he gave.
Originally, Stuart was employed by The North West Ambulance Service, but now along with four other colleagues, he is employed at Manchester Airport, the second largest airport in the U.K.
The airport has 300 tour operators, flies planes to 220 world-wide destinations, deals with over 24 million passengers a year and manages 220,307 transport movements. There are 3.8 miles of baggage belts! Also with three terminals, 6 hotels and 3 motorways bringing in 58,000 visitors a day, this provides a unique environment for a paramedic to work in. They are always kept busy and deal with about 160 cases per month.
The most common call they have to deal with is 'the early morning faint' due to travelling to the airport without breakfast. Chest pain resulting from panic attacks due to arriving at the wrong terminal is another cause. Minor injuries caused by trying to take cases (and even wheelchairs!) up escalators is another callout. More seriously, road accidents and cardiac arrest are also dealt with. There are 38 defibrillators in various parts of the airport and designated staff who are trained to use them.
All in all it was a fascinating talk delivered expertly by a totally dedicated professional. Many thanks Stuart.
G.L. July Meeting 2009
The speaker at our July meeting was Tracey Garde, a Senior Matron in the Cardiology Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Tracey's career began under the guidance of Anne , our Chairman, and it is both heartening and rewarding for Anne to see Tracey's development and to have her address our Group.
Tracey gave an informed and enlightening talk about recent developments in health care in general and cardiology in particular. She explained the aims of Bolton Improving Care System which is designed to give a better service to the patient and to reduce waste in the system, all the time striving for perfection. The 18 week Pathway was explained and Bolton is achieving the target of a maximum of 18 weeks from a patient's referral to receiving appropriate treatment.
Regarding recent developments in the cardiology unit we were informed that a 'pacing lab.' would be opening later in the year and that the Unit would be applying for Model Ward status. After listening to Tracey and witnessing her knowledge and dedication, we are pretty confident that the application will be successful!
Many thanks for such an interesting and informed delivery.
G.L. May Meeting 2009
About forty members attended the above meeting when the speaker was Nayan Patel, a local pharmasist. Nayan is always a popular speaker and this year gave his presentation by way of dividing the members into four groups and having questionnaires about diet & lifestyle, pharmacy services and frequently-asked questions about medication and other general health topics. The quizes were approached with enthusiasm and also proved to be very informative. Nayan generously awarded prizes to the winners and answered questions from the floor. He also outlined the procedures relating to the repeat prescription collection service and the emergency supply of medication.
I'm sure he'll be on the speakers' list for next year! [ Back to Homepage ]
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