Milton Keynes is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Having moved to Bletchley in 1963, I have seen many changes, from a huge shopping centre, road networks, buildings and businesses of all shapes and sizes. One of the biggest assets to everyone in Milton Keynes is the Milton Keynes General Hospital (M.K.G.H) which opened in 1984, and we so badly needed, as before this, patients had to travel to either Northampton or Aylesbury Hospitals for the treatment of any serious ailments, maternity, accidents etc. One of the offshoots of M.K.G.H. is the Milton Keynes Community Cardiac Group. Most people who have suffered a heart attack, stroke or any other cardiac problem and have been hospitalised are invited to attend, with their partners if appropriate, a six week cardiac rehabilitation course at Milton Keynes Hospital. Here they are not only given advice on diet but also begin a gentle exercise regime, starting with a warm up, followed by moderate exercise, cooling down and relaxation. Any questions they might have are answered to the best of the staffs ability, if not immediately then the following week. This is a great confidence builder, to both the sufferer and their partner. As they were finishing their hospital rehabilitation patients were asking if they could stay and continue the course for a while longer, as they felt it would greatly benefit them. This was not possible within the hospital as it was felt that the patients needed to move on from being dependent on the hospital as a safe environment to exercise. It was then that one member of staff suggested that the exercise classes should continue within the community. This lady’s name was Gill Hall, who relentlessly pursued the idea, and a great many people since then, are very grateful that she did. The first group was started in 1989, and consisted of five patients and two members of staff; the exercise programme took place in any hall that they could find. After my husband suffered a heart attack in 1994 and had finished the rehabilitation at M.K.G.H. he was told about the cardiac group. The sessions at that time were held in a local school hall in Bletchley, on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. I was invited to go with him (as we were both still in a state of shock and I went most places with him). I was so impressed with what I saw at the group that I only went with him for two weeks, deciding, that to build up his confidence again and mine I would stay at home the following week. It worked, he felt a lot better in himself and I knew then that he was in very safe hands and this still holds true today. Gill Hall (now Gill Robinson) desperately wanted a dedicated building for the cardiac group and with others formed a committee. They cajoled, persuaded, and pestered the council until finally they were offered the use of a two-story building in Whaddon Way, Bletchley. They moved in approximately April 1995. There was an awful lot of work needed inside and out of the building, and with fund raising, grants, donations, a lot of good will from many local firms “Hinton Hall” was officially opened by Derek Folds, star of Heartbeat, a school friend of one of the members. Today the group numbers 350 and is increasing all the time, and there are six classes per week, three in the morning and three in the evening. There is also phase IV class, for people who have completed their rehabilitation course at a hospital, direct from the practice nurse, or self referral. This 6 to 7 weeks of gentle exercises gets them to the level of exercise ready to join one of the other groups. The sessions are for two hours, mornings from 10am until noon, evening sessions from 7pm until 9pm. Each one is led by a health professional supported by fully-qualified exercise instructors and a trained team of volunteer helpers (many of whom have had cardiovascular problem themselves). All of these staff wear blue polo shirts and are know as the Blue Shirts. This makes them stand out in the group and always in sight if needed. There are two exercise rooms one of which contains a range of rowing machines, exercise bikes, treadmills, Health Riders etc. The other room is for aerobics, and has a sprung floor which makes it easier on the joints. To start with there are warm-up exercises, then onto the main period (equipment or aerobics), followed by muscle strength and endurance exercises and active cool-down, a cup of tea or coffee, and a little time to socialise Then the relaxation period which gives everyone a chance to practice at unwinding. (I have actually heard one or two snores,) so this definitely works. Emergency medical equipment includes a resuscitation bag, oxygen and an automated defibrillator. In addition, there is equipment to support those who may become unwell through diabetes, breathing problems, e.g. asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Not to forget the two first aid boxes; one on each floor for any cuts and bruises. The M.K.C.C.G. is not only about exercising; it is also about the help and reassurance that the members give to each other. There are people who have had most kinds of operations to do with the heart, and there they are standing next to you exercising. They are only too pleased to answer any questions and help way-lay any worries you may have. The Milton Keynes Community Cardiac Group is not run for profit; in fact when it started the fee was £2.00 per session, and only this year has it increased to £3.00 per session. The M.K.C.C.G is a registered charity. The majority of the people give their time voluntarily, with additional helpers for fund raising and any other occasions when needed. All this makes The Milton Keynes Community Cardiac Group to me, certainly a Community in the best sense of the word. I would like to say thank you for all the help, advice and support we have been given since my husband joined the M.K.C.C.G. some 12 years ago. Also thank you to Gill for the information she gave me towards this project. If you would like to visit the official Milton Keynes Community Cardiac Group Click Here