The latest meeting of the Greater Manchester ICD Support Group took place in Middleton at the end of April, bringing together people living with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator, along with family members and supporters.

The group was joined by two expert speakers based in the area – Dr Ahmed Adlan, Consultant Cardiologist and Electrophysiologist, and Jen Pilling from the ICD Pacing Team.

The session gave attendees the chance to ask questions about living with an ICD and how the devices work. Topics included device downloads, mobile phone apps, whether broadband is needed, sleeping positions, leads, batteries, and how ICDs are implanted.

A total of 22 people attended the meeting, including many for the first time.

The Greater Manchester ICD Support Group, supported by NW Hearts Charity, gives people affected by ICDs the opportunity to meet others, share experiences and hear directly from clinical experts in a friendly and supportive setting.

If you want to be amongst the first to hear about future meetings, please sign up!

Nearly 50 people came to the first Greater Manchester ICD Support Group meeting on Wednesday 25 February at Wythenshawe Forum.

The meeting brought together people who have an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator), as well as family members and NHS staff. The aim was to help people learn more about living with an ICD and to meet others with similar experiences.

James White from NW Hearts Charity welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked the patients and NHS colleagues who helped organise the group.

The session included talks and questions with Professor Simon Williams and Cardiac Physiologists Eleri Williams and Sam Thorn. They answered many questions from people in the room.

Topics included:

• Driving with an ICD
• Sleep and comfort
• Stories about ICDs in the news
• Dental treatment
• Long-haul travel

People were able to ask the questions that mattered most to them. This helped make the meeting useful and practical for everyone who attended.

There was also time for people to talk with each other. Many people said it was helpful to meet others who are living with an ICD and to share experiences.

NW Hearts Charity worked closely with patients and NHS colleagues to set up the group. The aim is to help people with heart conditions feel more supported and informed.

Next meeting

The next meeting of the Greater Manchester ICD Support Group will take place on Wednesday 29 April between 6 and 8pm.

The venue will be:
The Lighthouse Project
Unit S6b/c Second Floor
Middleton Shopping Centre
Limetrees Road
Middleton
M24 4EL

Anyone with an ICD, or anyone supporting someone with an ICD, is welcome to come along.

To find out more and sign up, visit: https://www.nwhearts.org/icd-group/