The Health Innovation Network launches programme to transform heart failure care in Kent, Surrey and Sussex

A new programme is launching to improve the diagnosis, treatment and care of people with heart failure in Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Health Innovation KSS is one of 11 health innovation networks taking part in the national programme, which aims to transform local heart failure pathways to reduce emergency admissions, support earlier diagnosis in primary care, and improve access to evidence-based treatment and digital innovations.

In KSS, heart failure affects a large proportion of the population due to ageing communities and high levels of deprivation across the rural and coastal areas.

Ellie Mason, Programme Manager CVD Prevention, Health Innovation KSS –

“CVD prevention has been a priority for Health Innovation KSS for many years, we’re excited to continue this journey with the National Heart Failure Programme.”

The national programme directly supports the Government’s strategic shifts in NHS care:

• From hospital to community: Using point-of-care testing in the community to enable earlier, timely diagnosis of heart failure before emergency admission to the hospital.
• From sickness to prevention: Raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of heart failure to identify people with heart failure earlier, optimise their treatment and improve their quality and quantity of life.
• From analogue to digital: Improving the adoption and spread of digital tools supporting the diagnosis and self-managed care of heart failure.

It is estimated that improving the management of heart failure in England could prevent 942 premature deaths and reduce bed days by 11,844, saving the NHS £4.15m by 2027.

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