Bournemouth cardiac patients trialling new kit for home treatment
The Royal Bournemouth cardiology team are the first in England to use it
Last updated 27th Jul 2024
The Royal Bournemouth Hospital has become the first in the country to trial new technology to treat people with heart failure.
Patients are fitted with a small device on their abdomen which will allow them to receive treatment at home.
It’s being rolled out to reduce the length of stay in hospital - which can often be up to 13 days.
Traditionally treatment includes an intravenous drip by cannula to receive a medication called furosemide, to help the body remove excess water.
They must remain in hospital while connected to the drip.
5\7 year old Matthew Cramer from Bournemouth had a small device attached to his abdomen which allows for furosemide to be delivered in a home environment.
The device is similar to how some diabetic patients receive insulin. He said:
“I would much rather be at home than staying in hospital. The specialist care team is very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable. Technology is moving forwards and if I can help anyone by taking part in this trial, I am very happy.”
Dr Chris Critoph, consultant cardiologist, said:
“I am very proud to be part of the research team. It wasn’t long ago we did not have much heart failure research at the trust and now we are being picked first for cutting-edge heart failure trials as we have a track record for delivering.
“We hope this is a fantastic way to improve patient satisfaction and comfort, but also a dramatic cost saving to UHD by reducing the length of hospital stays.”