Lifeline nurse in running to win top HeartHeroaward
A NURSE who helps patients cope with the uncertainty of waiting for a heart transplant has been nominated for a national award.
Jane Lockhart, provides roundthe-clock support to seriously ill patients who need a new heart as transplant coordinator at the Golden Jubilee Hospital.
Due to the lack of available hearts, it may be several months, or possibly years, before a donor heart of the right size and blood group becomes available.
Transplant coordinators work closely with patients when they are approved for the transplant list and while they wait and is also responsible for breaking the good news if an organ becomes available.
Around 500 people in Scotland are waiting for a transplant with 15 Scots currently waiting for a new heart.
Jane has been nominated for a British Heart Foundation Scotland, Heart Hero award, which recognises individuals who have contributed in some way to the fight against heart disease.
Jane said: “I think the secret is being honest, you have to have difficult conversations with patients.
“Sometimes it’s also just about sitting with them for a while and watching TV.
“The way things are at the moment if for patients to be on the urgent list.
“Medical staff are getting better at keeping patients with heart failure well.
“There’s a greater number of heart failure amongst younger patients. The sicker they are the more closely they need to be monitored.”
The Scottish Government is considering changing the country’s transplant law to help increase the number of organs available for transplant.
The government is considering responses submitted to a consultation on a shift to an opt-out transplant system, where individuals are automatically added to the donor register. Anyone who does not want to donate is required to ‘opt out’.
The Evening Times has led a five-year campaign calling for ‘soft’ opt-out, where family are consulted, which is supported by the British Heart Foundation.
James Cant, director at British Heart Foundation Scotland, said, “All those nominated are truly inspirational people who are a perfect example of the extraordinary contribution made by our supporters. Without people like them, we wouldn’t be able to fund life-saving research.”
To vote for Jane, visit bhf.org. uk/heartheroes
Shortlisted nominees will be revealed on the BHF website on April 21. Winners will be announced at the Heart Hero Awards at the BHF Scotland Supporter Day 2017 in Edinburgh on June 27.