On Sunday 16th June, we hosted an extraordinary free cardiac screening event at our new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) in Dartford. The event provided life-saving cardiac screenings (ECGs) to young individuals aged 14 to 35, offering a simple yet crucial method for detecting most cardiac abnormalities. The results were expertly interpreted by specialist cardiologists, and for added precision, echocardiograms were also available – all within a single visit!
We are very proud to have partnered with Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) who actively promotes and develops heart screening programmes across the country. With 80% of young sudden cardiac deaths (YSCD) occurring without prior symptoms, our initiative is a vital step towards reducing these tragic incidents.
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this event a resounding success - we screened 100 young people!
Robert Sargent, Senior Chief Cardiac Physiologist and organiser of the event, shared his enthusiasm for the event, stating: "I began my journey with the Trust in 2009 as a cardiac physiologist and soon after started working with Cardiac Risk in the Young. This event was a fantastic opportunity for me to merge both of my passions. Additionally, it was wonderful to utilise the new CDC and demonstrate its importance as a diagnostic centre for the local community."
This momentous event would not have been possible without the generous donations to the Trust's Heartbeat charity fund and further contributions from Compleo and Healthshare.
Sally George, Head of Fundraising and Voluntary Services, Valley Hospital Charity said: “We are delighted that our Valley Hospital Charity’s Heartbeat Fund could support this community event run by Cardiac Risk in the Young at our Community Diagnostic Centre to help identify young people who may be unaware of an underlying cardiac condition. Having invited local groups to share with their service users, we hope that any young people who had issues detected can be supported and begin preventative or therapeutic interventions to minimise the risk of a sudden cardiac death. Thank you to all who support our Heartbeat Fund and made this event possible.”