Published on: 11 April 2025
The marvellous work undertaken by Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT) staff to raise awareness of heart failure has been recognised by the UK’s largest patient-led heart failure charity.
The Trust’s Community Cardiology Team were named Team of the Year for showing exemplary commitment and excellence to patient support, while Lucy Marquis, Transformation Clinical Lead for Integrated Care received a Special Recognition Award for her commitment and service to heart failure patients at The Pumping Marvellous Foundation’s (PMF) national awards.
PMF’s nation-wide campaign, B.E.A.T. Heart Failure, is designed to help people recognise potential symptoms of heart failure earlier – Breathless? Exhausted? Ankle swelling? Time for a blood test – B.E.A.T.
Lucy and the team supported two B.E.A.T. Heart Failure events held at Port Vale Football Club in Stoke-on-Trent, where more than 1,000 people received heart screening checks by the Community Cardiology Team, resulting in a number of those screened being signposted for further investigation and support.
Lucy said: “It has been an absolute privilege to work with our Heart Failure Team and system colleagues to deliver these events. They have demonstrated true collaboration and integrated care in action. So many people have commented that they have been inspiring to be part of. A big thank you needs to go to our Consultant Cardiologist Dr Dargoi Satchi who was instrumental in MPFT being chosen to be part of this campaign opportunity.’’
Jenny Bough, Clinical Lead for the Community Cardiology Team added: “The team’s participation in these events, including all of the work behind the scenes, demonstrated they are a dedicated and compassionate team that always go above and beyond for their patients. Their expertise is second to none and I am so delighted this shone through and we have received this award. Lucy is inspirational with her passion and vision, and we are privileged to have been involved. I echo her sentiments in thanking Dr Satchi who has transformed the community heart failure service.”
PMF Chief Executive Nick Hartshorne-Evans said: "Lucy’s energy and positivity have been infectious, and her drive for change and innovation to improve early diagnosis has shone through. The Community Cardiology Team is a breath of fresh air! They recognised the need for a new way to engage with the community and have been outstanding in leading the way for change with vigour.
“The B.E.A.T. events were phenomenal in both attendance and in the collaborative approach; we wouldn't have been able to deliver the events without them and it’s a pleasure to work alongside them with aligned focus and passion. We look forward to our continued partnership, transforming early detection within the community, one event at a time.”