Heart and stroke patients in Tipperary are being encouraged to join the Irish Heart Foundation’s Patient Champions Programme.
The aim is to increase awareness of stroke symptoms to ensure that medical aid is sought as quickly as possible. The group is also supportive of the value of educating young people about recognising the symptoms of stroke as part of Transition Year. The Patient Champions Programme aims to train patients with cardiovascular disease to lobby for better supports for their fellow patients at political level, speak publicly and in the media, and build local support networks.
The Patient Champions are a terrific addition to the Irish Heart Foundation, according to advocacy manager Pauline O’Shea. Ms O’Shea says such people can use “their lived experience and desire to help others and the organisation to speak out about significant issues that affect heart and stroke patients and to work for positive change for patients.”Further information about becoming a Patient Champion, with the Irish Heart Foundation can be found on the website at this link here.
