A special event has been held at the Glenfield Hospital to thank a volunteer who has supported UHL’s cardiac rehabilitation (rehab) classes for 20 years.
Roger Latham has been a consistent presence at classes held at the National Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine in Loughborough and at the Glenfield Hospital since taking part in a rehab programme himself, in 2006.
The cardiac rehab service at UHL supports patients in their recovery from a heart attack, heart surgery or following a diagnosis such as heart failure. The multi-disciplinary team includes nurses, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, exercise instructors, and cardiac rehab assistants who help patients to improve their fitness, quality of life and future health. The service offers individualised exercise, education and support, and can be considered just as important for patients as taking their medication.
Roger’s volunteering journey began after he suffered a heart attack in 2005. Following treatment at the Glenfield, he was referred to the cardiac rehab service to complete a structured exercise programme.
It was through meeting a volunteer during his classes that Roger was inspired to give back himself.
“The classes were really helpful for me”, explains Roger. “After you experience a heart event, there can be a psychological barrier to get over. You’re not always sure what levels of physical exercise you can do safely.
“And so getting a prescription for exercise, and support to go through it in a structured way, gives people the confidence to go forward in their lives.”
Roger helps the team to set up each session and joins in with warm-up exercises, but his key contribution is his ability to connect with patients through his lived experience.
“I just love the interaction and getting to know the patients”, said Roger, from Barrow upon Soar. “I chat to them, especially if they’re new. I find that a lot of people appreciate the reassurance and the opportunity to talk to somebody who has been there and done it.
“The staff are great – I get on well with everyone, and they make me feel like I’m part of the team.”
UHL’s cardiac rehab service arranged a gathering at the Secret Garden to formally thank Roger for his ‘extraordinary’ contribution over two decades.
Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialist Nurse, Eithne Heneghan, said: “Throughout an amazing 20 years of volunteering, Roger has served as an ambassador for lifelong exercise. Having walked in our patients’ shoes, he approaches his role with a deep understanding of the anxieties a cardiac diagnosis can bring. He is often the first to greet patients with a reassuring welcome, and his presence brings a calm, cheerful confidence that is very settling for service users.
“We cannot thank Roger enough for his contribution over the past 20 years – he is irreplaceable.”
UHL benefits from the support of hundreds of volunteers within our hospitals, who offer their time to help improve services for patients and visitors. Many different roles are available, ranging from meeting and greeting patients to driving buggies to hairdressing. If you are interested in volunteering at one of UHL’s hospital sites, visit our volunteering page to find out more.