A support group in Sussex has been set up for heart patients.

The group is aimed at those who have had pacemakers and internal defibrillators installed to keep their heart functioning as normally as possible.

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust lead consultant cardiologist Nikhil Patel said: “We hope the support group will provide an environment where patients feel they can discuss issues at ease with not only the clinicians who attend but also other patients, as their experience can be valuable.

“The support provides an excellent opportunity to ensure patients have the correct up to date information but also for us as clinicians to learn from the patients and their experience to ensure we continually develop to provide the best service and care for them now and in the future.”

For more details about the group, which holds its next meeting in September, visit esht.nhs.uk.