2nd April 2026
A Southern Trust cardiac rehabilitation programme is helping patients rebuild their lives after heart attacks and return to full, active living.
David Shortt (49) was left shocked and uncertain about his future after suffering a heart attack while on holiday, despite previously being fit and healthy. He required two stents and struggled to regain confidence in his heart.
“I had lost trust and confidence in my heart and didn’t know if I’d ever return to a normal, active life,” he said.
Following referral by his GP, David joined the Trust’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme, where he received specialist support from a multidisciplinary team.
The eight-week programme combines supervised exercise, education and emotional support, helping patients understand their condition, safely rebuild fitness and regain confidence.
“The team helped me understand exactly what happened and what recovery would look like,” David said. “With constant monitoring and reassurance, I was able to gradually increase my activity and trust my heart again.”
Suzanne McKeown, Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme Specialist Nurse said:
“Our focus is on helping patients understand their condition, rebuild their confidence and feel safe returning to everyday activities. We support each person at their own pace, providing the knowledge, reassurance and encouragement they need to take control of their recovery.”
Each year, the programme supports patients to improve both their physical and emotional wellbeing, while providing practical advice on medication, diet and recognising normal recovery symptoms.
Now back at work and exercising regularly, David said he feels “healthy, strong and in a good place physically and mentally”. He praised the team’s professionalism and compassion, adding: “The Southern Trust should be proud of them.”
Trudy Reid, Director of Medicine and Unscheduled Care at the Southern Trust, said:
“Cardiac rehabilitation plays a vital role in helping people recover well and live independently after a cardiac event. This programme reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care that supports both physical and emotional wellbeing. David’s experience highlights the real difference our teams make to patients and their families every day.”
