AN initiative which is potentially preventing heart attacks and strokes in hundreds of people across the region has won recognition.

The Healthy Hearts scheme was among the victors at the coveted Health Service Journal Value Awards.

It received the Cardiovascular Care Initiative of the Year accolade.

Judging in the annual awards took on a different format this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Finalists were asked to create a video presentation to submit for review by the judges, who included leading figures from across the UK healthcare community.

The Healthy Hearts initiative – led by the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership – works with professionals including GPs and community pharmacists, as well as voluntary organisations and community groups, to better care for people with cardiovascular disease.

Rob Webster, the partnership’s chief executive officer lead, said all those involved in the project were “absolutely delighted” at the awards win.

And he hailed the scheme’s success in tackling cardio threats.

“The initiative has led to 10,000 additional people being added to hypertension registers so far,” said Mr Webster.

“Over 17,500 more people have had their blood pressure controlled to a tighter target, of less than 140/90.

“As well as this, 2,500 people have had a medication review and over 2,000 people have been identified as being at risk of cardiovascular disease because their cholesterol is too high, and been offered a statin. This alone means that nearly 500 people could avoid a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years across our area.

“This is a great, lifesaving example of what can be achieved when partners come together.”

Helen Hirst, chief officer for Bradford District and Craven Clinical Commissioning Group, said she was “thrilled” that the scheme – which started in Bradford – had been recognised.

She added: “Being part of the West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership means we can ‘scale-up’ initiatives such as Healthy Hearts across the region to deliver lifesaving results. This is what the partnership is all about – sharing learning and good practice and helping more people to live a long and healthy life.”