Funding for Aortic Advanced Practitioners
There are over 20,000 people living with aortic dissection in the UK, each facing the risk of life-threatening complications. Despite this, many are not receiving the routine follow-up care they urgently need. Annual scans are critical to detecting complications early, yet many patients miss out on these essential checks. Moreover, vital support in managing risk factors, mental well-being, lifestyle advice, and family screening are often neglected.
This gap in care must be addressed. To tackle this, the charity is funding dedicated aortic specialist nurses to provide ongoing, comprehensive care to those affected by this life-altering condition.
Supporting Life After Aortic Dissection
The charity aims to fund the employment of Aortic Advanced Practitioners in appropriate NHS Trusts in the UK. These compassionate professionals will take the lead in delivering holistic care, supporting patients physically and emotionally.
Key responsibilities of the Aortic Advanced Practitioner include:
- Conducting follow-up appointments, both face-to-face and via telephone, to provide continuous care and monitor patient progress.
- Ensuring annual scans are carried out, results are communicated promptly, and any necessary follow-up actions are taken.
- Offering guidance on preventing further complications through lifestyle changes and secondary prevention strategies.
- Coordinating genetic testing where appropriate, helping to safeguard future generations.
- Providing emotional support and counselling, recognising the psychological toll of living with aortic dissection.
- Collaborating with GPs to ensure ongoing care in the community and referring patients to consultants when necessary.
By easing the pressure on consultant-led services, these aortic specialist nurses will allow senior medical staff to focus on urgent interventions, whilst ensuring that patients receive the consistent, high-quality follow-up they deserve.
Why Specialist Nurses Matter
Many individuals living with aortic dissection are slipping through the cracks. Without regular monitoring and support, they are left vulnerable to serious health complications. Aortic Advanced Practitioners will provide:
Early Detection Saves Lives
Early detection of issues allows for quicker treatment, potentially saving lives.
Monitoring Ensures No One is Overlooked
More efficient and structured patient monitoring ensures no one is left behind.
Personalised Care for Healthier Lives
With access to personalised care and support, patients can live fuller, healthier lives.
Advanced Practitioners Boost Efficiency
By shifting routine follow-up care to Advanced Practitioners, consultants are free to focus on complex cases, improving overall healthcare efficiency.
By easing the pressure on consultant-led services, these aortic specialist nurses will allow senior medical staff to focus on urgent interventions, whilst ensuring that patients receive the consistent, high-quality follow-up they deserve.
Your Support Can Make a Lasting Difference
By supporting Aortic Advanced Practitioners, you are not only helping patients receive the care they need today but also shaping the future of aortic dissection treatment and support. Together, we can close the care gap, improve outcomes, and ensure that no one living with aortic dissection is left behind.
Please consider donating to help fund this vital work. With your support, we can transform the lives of thousands across England and be part of lasting change.
Apply for Funding
The closing date for applications has now passed, and we’re pleased to have received a number of excellent submissions. We will be announcing the successful NHS Trusts shortly.
This funding opportunity supports NHS Trusts in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland to appoint a part-time Aortic Specialist Nurse or Aortic Advanced Practitioner. The funding covers two days per week (up to Band 8a) for a three-year period, with the expectation that the Trust will develop a business case to secure long-term funding for the role.
The primary objective of this position is to ensure patients with aortic dissection receive structured follow-up care and holistic support. The funded Trust will also gain access to educational resources and peer collaboration through our Community of Practice.
To be informed when the next round of funding becomes available, join our mailing list.
For further details, please get in touch with us. We look forward to announcing the successful Trusts soon.
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The Aortic Dissection Charitable Trust
Registered charity in England & Wales No. 1191420
Registered charity in Scotland No. SC051517
PO Box 812, Hope Valley, Chesterfield S40 9QY
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