Patients from Hull who are waiting to be treated for heart problems are being offered access to a unique service to support their wellbeing while they wait.

Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has teamed up with Forum to offer the ‘Waiting Well’ programme to almost 80 people waiting for cardiology appointments.

The programme will invite patients to take part in activities such as walking or gentle games of football to help maintain their physical health.

Some well-known names  in the East Yorkshire health community, such as Tigers Trust, Fitmums and Friends, Hull KR and Hull FC, will be working to deliver group exercise and social activity sessions as part of the Waiting Well project.

But acknowledging that wellbeing is about more than just a person’s physical health, those taking part will be able to access other forms of support too, such as mental health advice, if it’s needed.

Jason Stamp, Chief Officer for Forum says:

“We at Forum are excited by our new partnership with Hull University Teaching Hospitals Trust and our innovative new approach to supporting patients on the cardiology waiting list.

“Through this new service, we will be offering patients advice and guidance while they wait and providing access to a range of free activities within their local communities. This will not only help people to start improving their physical health but also support and encourage them to become more active in their local communities.

“This new project is a great example of how we can work together in partnership to improve health outcomes for local people.”

Eileen Henderson, Head of Outpatient Services for Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust says:

“We know it can be frustrating waiting for an appointment, so this is a great way of keeping in touch with patients and encouraging them to take part in activities which will help keep them well while they wait.

“While it won’t necessarily cure their problem, taking part in the activities we have lined up will get people out of the house, keep them active, help them make new friends and foster a more general sense of wellbeing until such a time as we can schedule their hospital appointment.”

Funded by Hull City Council, the Waiting Well programme is open to all eligible patients living within Hull. The nature of the activities have been designed with the specific needs of cardiology patients in mind and will be provided entirely free of charge.

There will be general group sessions on offer including football, walking and exercise classes, plus a number of activities aimed at particular groups such as the over 50s and women only, some with childcare included.

A total of 77 eligible patients will begin receiving letters inviting them to take part in the ‘Waiting Well – Cardiology’ pilot this week.