(l to r) Leah Christoff, CFC NP, Dianne Ross, CFC CRN, Margie Sidsworth, CFC Pharmacist, and Dr. Nathaniel Hawkins, Cardiologist.

130+ attend 8th annual heart failure seminar

On Wednesday, March 7, the VGH Cardiac Function Clinic held the 8th annual “Take Charge of your Heart Failure” seminar in the Paetzold Education Theatre.

Our speakers, cardiologist Dr. Nathaniel Hawkins and pharmacist Margie Sidsworth spoke about heart failure treatments and the newest medications available to help treat this condition. Patient Marc Bains shared his story of living with heart failure and co-founding the patient support group called Heartlife Foundation. And clinical nurse specialist Ingrid See presented on advanced care planning and the new MOST initiative, discussing goals of care so that patients may experience improved quality of life.

The following booths shared information about resources available to help, treat and manage heart failure:

  • Low-Sodium foods by Better Meals
  • VGH Cardiac Rehab
  • Smoking Cessation Clinic
  • The Heart & Stroke Foundation
  • The Nancy Chan Palliative Care Centre
  • The HeartLife Foundation
  • TEC4 Home
  • Medtronic

The event offered an opportunity for patients to ask questions. Choices Market catered the event and door prizes rounded out the evening.  Roughly 130 people attended this event and feedback was overwhelmingly positive with 100% of people wanting this event to return next year!

We thank everyone for participating and supporting our event.  We look forward to you attending the next “Take Charge of your Heart Failure” Seminar in Spring 2019.