REDDITCH MP Chris Bloore has visited Hale and Hearties at Oakenshaw Community Centre to meet members of the long-established cardiac rehabilitation group and see first-hand the vital support it provides to local residents.
Founded in 1997, Redditch Hale and Hearties delivers phase four cardiac rehabilitation exercise sessions for people recovering from heart attacks, cardiac surgery and other serious heart conditions.
Working closely with the Alexandra Hospital, the group provides weekly classes in Greenlands, Oakenshaw and Bromsgrove, offering ongoing, community-based support after patients complete hospital-based rehabilitation.
During his visit, Mr Bloore joined around 15 members for a one-hour session including a warm-up, supervised circuit exercises and a cool-down.
He heard from participants about how the group had supported their long-term recovery and helped them stay active and independent.
The MP was invited by the Deputy Mayor of Redditch Borough Council, Coun David Munro, a long-standing committee member of the group who jopined following two heart attacks in 2018 and 2019.
Mr Bloore said: “It was inspiring to see Hale and Hearties in action and to meet local people who have turned some of the hardest moments of their lives into a positive commitment to long-term health.
“Cardiac rehabilitation does not end when someone leaves hospital.
“Ongoing, safe and supervised exercise, delivered with care, expertise and good humour, is absolutely vital to helping people regain confidence and maintain their wellbeing. Groups like this are a lifeline for so many in our community.”
The visit also provided an opportunity to discuss concerns previously raised about reductions to Phase 3 cardiac rehabilitation sessions at the Alexandra Hospital.
The MP confirmed he would continue engaging with NHS leaders to ensure patients in Redditch have access to a full recovery pathway from hospital treatment through to long-term community support.
He added: “As someone who regularly campaigns for strong NHS services at the Alex, I know how important it is that excellent hospital care is matched by high-quality community provision.”
And he said he would keep backing schemes, such as Hale and Hearties, and work with health leaders to ensure every cardiac patient locally had the opportunity to recover well and stay well.
Redditch Hale and Hearties runs weekly sessions on Wednesday evenings in Greenlands, Friday afternoons at Oakenshaw Community Centre in Redditch and Friday mornings in Bromsgrove.
