A MAN who has survived two heart attacks is now leading the way to transform the NHS as a patient representative.
Trevor Fernandes, 59, of Maritime Avenue in Heybridge Basin, suffered his first heart attack in 2006 and a second in 2010.
The Harley-Davidson enthusiast has been involved with the British Heart Foundation (BHF) since 2010 and after recently attending NHS England's first annual meeting, he now aims to educate children about heart attacks and promote a seven-day-a-week NHS.
"I think that it's important that people using the NHS realise that there is someone like me out there representing their interests," he told the Chronicle.
"I've learned about what people think of the NHS and I know I can help.
"My motivation comes from the fantastic care that I received and the very possible idea that we could eradicate heart disease completely in the very near future.
"There is a fair amount of scepticism about the changes to our NHS, but I believe the Government is serious about making sure we have better outcomes by involving patients.
"Here in Essex, the Clinical Commissioning Groups have been set up to include three members of the public that will have a say and influence the range of health services delivered, and I am one of those."
A review of deaths in 14 failing hospitals this year by Sir Bruce Keogh has led to the decision that the health service must listen more to patients' views.
Mr Fernandes said: "I have spoken to Bruce Keogh and I am reassured that he wants to change the NHS for the better using patient and public engagement.
"He has some good ideas like the seven-day-a-week NHS that I will be trying to push for – this could really improve patient care and is feasible. Just think of all the expensive equipment that remains idle."
Mr Fernandes used to be an IT manager for British Airways before his retirement and thinks that education on the subject starts at school.
He said: "I'm trying to get local schools to deliver basic health education on heart attacks – speedy care can save lives and I'm engaging with a number of schools to see if the BHF can come to help educate."
He admits that his jetset lifestyle contributed to the state of his health. Late-night drinking sessions were followed by intense workouts in the gym.
Mr Fernandes suffered his first heart attack in 2006 as he left the gym, collapsing at the wheel after managing to call 999. The ambulance was able to locate his car from his phone signal.
"It was a scary time for me and my wife. I've learned to control my life now with balance and knowledge and I understand living with a heart condition thanks to the care I received," he said.
His second attack occurred in 2010 when his heart stopped while he was asleep.
Luckily, the sound of his agonal breaths – strange, gasping sounds that sometimes occur during a cardiac arrest – woke his wife Jackie. She called 999 and performed CPR until the ambulance came.
"I know that I could use the skills I learned in my career so after the fantastic advice and help I received from the BHF I thought I could help. I help organise a support group and give the people the chance to help themselves get the same solace and support," he said.
In November Trevor will be involved as a lay rep for the Care Quality Commission to review how hospitals are inspected, having previously inspected the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
In 2010 the keen sailor embarked on a campaign to raise awareness of the lack of uptake for cardiac rehabilitation and an experienced Cardiac Rehabilitation Nurse was appointed to lead developments in the service.
"The Mid Essex Trust increased funding for cardiac rehabilitation by £100,000, to develop and expand services within the district. It's fantastic that we were able to appoint a new nurse to help out in Essex," said Mr Fernandes.
In July last year, he attended a reception in Parliament to present a new report to Government, aimed at reducing the impact of cardiovascular diseases, with support from Maldon MP John Whittingdale.
