Heart hero given top award for patient care

The British Heart Foundation (BHF) presented Loreena with this prestigious award at its Healthcare Professional (HCPS) Awards celebration event.

Loreena Hill won the award for Excellence in Enhancing Cardiac Knowledge. Loreena was a pioneer of the Heart Failure service in Northern Ireland after taking up her post in 2002.

At that time she was one of only five heart failure nurses in Northern Ireland and she has overcome many challenges in the development of this service.

Loreena has been involved in many innovations within the service and most recently chaired the sub group which developed the much needed ‘symptom control guidelines for end stage chronic heart failure patients’.

Speaking about her award Loreena said: “I am delighted to receive this award from BHF Northern Ireland. I and many other Healthcare Professionals work tirelessly to make sure heart patients are given the care and support they need in Northern Ireland.

“I’ve met many wonderful and inspirational heart patients over the years and seeing the impact our work has on their lives is what makes my job so worthwhile. Little improvements in their health can have major positive changes to patients’ quality of life i.e. being able to go shopping etc. For patients with a chronic condition it is vital they feel their voice matters. My role enables me to support them in making choices along their health journey.“

Catherine Kelly, Programme Lead for Healthcare Professionals at the BHF said: “Our BHF funded Healthcare Professionals make a real difference to heart patients across the UK. The letters we receive from patients tell us time and again that our healthcare professionals offer a vital service not only for them but for their families too.

“These awards are one way of recognising and thanking them for the fantastic work they do and the many lives they touch.”

The BHF supports over six hundred healthcare professionals across the UK who provide vital care and support to heart patients including 48 in Northern Ireland. The Healthcare Professional Programme has transformed the quality of care available to nearly 800,000 heart patients in the UK since 2004.

To find out more about the work of BHF Healthcare Professionals visit bhf.org.uk/professionals