Sheffield patients who have a common heart rhythm disorder that puts them at high risk of suffering a stroke have benefited from a local programme that has substantially increased the number of people receiving treatments.

The programme, run by NHS Sheffield Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), provides pharmacist and nurse support to GP practices to identify patients who would benefit from the treatment. As a result nearly 1,400 more patients are receiving treatments, which should see over 30 strokes prevented in the city.

Dr Andrew McGinty, Clinical Director for Active Ageing at NHS Sheffield CCG said, “Around 10,000 people in Sheffield have atrial fibrillation – the most common heart rhythm disorder – that puts them at particular risk of suffering a stroke, and in this group the stroke is likely to be especially severe.

“The stroke risk can be halved by effective drug treatment, though typically across the country only around half of those who could benefit actually received treatment.

“The programme has been in place for several years and we are pleased to actually now see strokes reducing in this group of patients in the city.”

In recognition of the Sheffield success story representatives of the local programme were recently invited to the House of Commons for the launch of a national report on reducing strokes in people having atrial fibrillation, in which the Sheffield programme features as an exemplar of best practice.