Cardiac Psychology Service

The Cardiac Psychology Service provides psychological assessment and therapy to patients who are under the care of a Cardiologist at Sunderland Royal Hospital and have a Sunderland based GP. We aim to promote psychological wellbeing and support, in relation to cardiac events, such as heart attacks (MI), coronary artery bypass grafts (CABG), other open heart surgery, electrical faults with the heart (AF, tachycardia) and heart failure. We work alongside Consultant Cardiologists, Specialist Cardiac Nurses and Specialist Physiotherapists to deliver coordinated care. We also work alongside the Steps to Health programme for cardiac rehabilitation. The service is based within the Psychology Service at Chester Lodge and also offers clinics in the Cardiac Centre within the main Sunderland Royal Hospital building.

Patients can be referred by the Cardiac Team at Sunderland Royal Hospital for various difficulties in relation to their cardiac difficulties, such as:

• Anxiety
• Depression & low mood
• Emotional adjustment
• Stress management
• Lifestyle difficulties

If the difficulty is primarily a long-standing mental health problem, then alternative psychological support can be offered through the Sunderland Psychological Wellbeing Service, Talking Changes (for patients in the Durham Locality) or the South Tyneside Lifecycle Mental Health Service.