Irish Heart Foundation Nurse Support Line
Imagine if one simple phone call could bring you peace of mind about your heart health. For many people, Nurse Cathy Casey is that reassuring voice on the other end of the line.
Cathy Casey
Cathy is a dedicated nurse on the Irish Heart Foundation’s Nurse Support Line, a free, confidential service providing information and guidance by phone. From heart conditions to stroke recovery, or even help finding local support, Cathy and the team of experienced cardiac nurses operating the service are there to listen.
The Irish Heart Foundation’s Nurse Support Line is open to anyone who has a concern or a question about their heart health – whether they are living with a condition or looking to prevent heart disease or stroke and live more healthily – and provides practical advice, support and information. For example, *research shows that 40-80% of medical information provided by healthcare practitioners is forgotten immediately. Irish Heart Foundation nurses operating the service can help people formulate a list of questions to ask their doctor at their next appointment as well as tips to make the appointment more productive, such as bringing a family member to make notes.
“I answer queries across a broad range; they could be about a new heart condition, living with stroke or staying heart healthy. People can call to look for personal support, like advice on home modifications or benefits and entitlements. Sometimes people can have a lengthy wait for their GP, or don’t want to waste their GP’s time with a query. We don’t replace a doctor, but can sometimes offer that understanding and advice, as a stepping stone, before they call the doctor. Or sometimes people just need someone to talk to”, explains Cathy.
As a nurse who’s worked in critical care and occupational health as well as resuscitation training, Cathy brings decades of experience. But more than that, she brings compassion. Whether someone has just been diagnosed or simply has a niggling concern, Cathy and the team are there to listen and help.
“I’ve spoken to people from 19 to over 90 years old,” Cathy says. “One caller had just been told she had heart failure and thought her life was over. She was in her 40s and heartbroken. I explained that heart failure can be managed, and she could still live a healthy life. She later told me our conversation was a lifeline. That’s why I do this work.”
The Irish Heart Foundation has a range of resources and support services for people and their families who are affected by stroke and heart conditions. Speaking about the charity, Cathy explains, “The Irish Heart Foundation offers fantastic services – a huge number of varied programmes and supports. The free counselling service is very important for some people who can come to us at their lowest” adds Cathy.
There is a support service suitable for all age ranges, via online emotional support programmes such as mindfulness; our private Facebook communities, the in-person groups; or email and telephone support calls.”.
The Irish Heart Foundation is a registered charity supported by donations from the public and businesses in Ireland. Thanks to their generosity, the Irish Heart Foundation can continue to provide services like the Nurse Support Line that enables Cathy and the team to answer those life-changing calls.
If you are worried about stroke or heart disease, or care for someone who is affected, you can call the Nurse Support Line on 01 668 5001 (Monday from 9am – 5pm and Tuesday to Friday, 9am – 1pm) or email support@irishheart.ie
*https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC539473/
