PATIENTS and staff at the Cardiac Rehabilitation Service at the Alexandra Hospital are celebrating 20 years of service to the Redditch and Bromsgrove community.

The service, which began in 1996, started with just a handful of patients, and over the years it has benefitted thousands of residents.

A special gathering with former and current patients was held recently to mark the occasion.

Brian Burman, aged 81, from Lickey End in Bromsgrove, is one of the first patients who walked through the doors 20 years ago.

He said: "This service means everything to me. I’ve got an extra third of my life back partly due to the fantastic work that’s done here.

"The staff are amazing, and what they’ve done for me in terms of exercise motivation and good advice is remarkable.

"My first session was five days after my operation and I’ve been coming every week ever since. This place has definitely put extra years on my life, no doubt about it. It’s also a nice place to socialise with other people who are in the same boat as you and have had issues with their heart."

About 100 patients take part in six exercise classes per week and they also receive advice on maintaining a healthy heart.

The service is headed up by Linda Barratt, cardiac respiratory specialist nurse at the Alexandra Hospital.

Ms Barratt said: "We’re really proud of our work and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my years here. It’s really rewarding to see patients blossom and to know they’re looking after their heart in the best possible way.

"We offer support to patients and their relatives to prevent further heart problems and re-admission, this also helps to boost and encourage people’s confidence and fitness," she added.

Staff at the cardiac rehabilitation service carry out education events, and have also started a sub group called the Hale and Hearties support group.

Currently it has more than 300 members. For more details go to redditchhaleandhearties.org.uk.