Hearts in Beds- Cardiac Support group in Bedfordshire

08/04/2026

The NHS lung cancer screening service is now inviting residents of Bedford borough who meet the criteria for the screening programme (those aged 55-74 years with a smoking history) to participate in the programme.

This involves an opt-in invitation whereby the individual will receive an invite letter, giving them the opportunity to contact the service and book a 20-minute telephone consultation with a member of the lung cancer screening service. The consultation will then determine whether they are eligible for and meet the criteria for low dose CT scanning. The scan is usually carried out on a mobile screening unit in Bedford.

As this has just been rolled out in Bedford, the aim is to diagnose any lung cancer at an early stage; national data suggest more than 60% are now diagnosed at Stage 1, leading to significantly improved outcomes.

23/12/2025

We are seeing a growing number of winter viruses in the community and our hospitals.

Rajeev, Clinical Director for Acute Medicine, said: “To help keep everyone safe, please do not visit patients on our wards if you have a runny nose, sore throat, cough, high temperature, chills, aching muscles, extreme tiredness, a headache or if you’re sneezing.

“By staying at home, you can help us to stop the spread of infection and help to keep our patients and staff safe. Thank you for your understanding.”

23/12/2025

Making any last-minute additions to your online shopping or click-and-collect order for Christmas? 🎄

Don’t forget to include the essentials to keep your medicine cabinet stocked this winter!
✅ Pain relief
✅ Cold and flu remedies
✅ Thermometer (if you haven't got one)
✅ Plasters and antiseptic

A little preparation now can save you a lot of stress later.

23/12/2025

✨💖 Season’s Greetings from Hearts in Beds Cardiac Support Group 💖✨

As the year draws to a close, we’d like to thank all our members, volunteers, families, and supporters for being part of our community. Your kindness, strength, and encouragement make a real difference every day.

We wish you a joyful festive season filled with warmth, hope, and good health, and we look forward to continuing our journey together in the New Year. 🎄✨

20/11/2025

20/11/2025

Did you know your heart and brain are more connected than you might think? ❤️🧠

New BHF-funded research shows poorer heart health in your 40s and 50s may increase your risk of developing dementia later in life.

The good news? Taking care of your heart now could help protect your memory and thinking skills in the years to come.

“This underscores why British Heart Foundation is investing £10 million into its Centre for vascular dementia research, alongside the UK Dementia Research Institute, to find better ways to prevent and treat the devastating impact of vascular dementia." - Professor Bryan Williams, our Chief Scientific and Medical Officer

Want to learn more about this research? You can do so here: https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/news-from-the-bhf/news-archive/2025/november/poorer-heart-health-in-middle-age-dementia-risk

20/11/2025

Winter comes with a higher risk of health issues, particularly for older people, those with long-term conditions or a compromised immune system. Check out recommendations from the NHS to look after your health this winter - https://www.healthwatch.co.uk/advice-and-information/2025-10-07/how-stay-well-winter

20/11/2025

Today, the UK Government has published the first ever Men's Health Strategy for England.

We want to see a world where everyone has a healthier heart for longer. However, sadly, cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the biggest killers of men in the UK, claiming the lives of more than one in four of our brothers, fathers, uncles and sons.

We welcome this Strategy for England as an acknowledgement of the inequalities in health, including cardiovascular health, that men across the country face, and as a vital step forward in tackling this major public health burden.

As outlined in the Strategy, building health services that engage with, and respond to, the unique health needs of men and boys, and ensuring the wider social and built environment supports their health, are crucial steps towards building a society where all men and boys have an equal chance of living long lives in good heart health - regardless of where they live, or their ethnic or cultural background.

We look forward to working with Government on implementing this vital Strategy, and to engaging on the forthcoming renewed Women’s Health Strategy for England.

20/11/2025

Don't take antibiotics for colds and flu.
Don’t save antibiotics for later.
Take antibiotics as directed by your healthcare professional.

02/06/2025

Are you an unpaid carer, caring for an adult over the age of 18 and living in Bedford Borough?

If so, please register your interest in joining our in person focus group on the 19th June 2025.

Your feedback will help to shape services for the future.