THE work and success of a service at the Basildon Hospital-based Essex Cardiothoracic Centre will be celebrated at an event this coming weekend.

On Saturday (7 September) Chelmsford's County Hotel will host a seminar and celebratory event will be held to celebrate the success of the first year of the Inherited Cardiac conditions Service, running at the centre.

Together with the with the Inherited Cardiac Condition Centre (ICC), the cardiac charity SADS UK is supporting the seminar held after the successful first year of the ICC service.

The charity says it is delighted that Cllr Janett Potter, Mayor of Chelmsford and her consort Mayoress Jackie Galley will be in attendance, as well as Matthew Hopkins, chief Chief Executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.

Working with the Arrhythmia Clinic, the ICC Clinic was set up to assist individuals and families living with cardiac conditions and has seen more than 700 patients since the launch in January 23 with more than 300 genetic tests being sent for analysis.

One of the key speakers, Dr Jason Dungu received a Black Healthcare Award for the extensive research he has carried out in areas such as amyloidosis, an incredibly rare condition known to affect black people, which can lead to heart failure. Dr Dungu has also helped to introduce a new drug to alleviate the symptoms for patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a condition which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood around the body.

The seminar will give patients and their families the opportunity to spend the day together.

The day includes patient stories and the work of staff at the ICC and Arrhythmia clinics. Presentations will be given by Cardiac Consultants and cardiac experts. Another important part of the day will be the Question and Answer session in the afternoon which enables patients to ask further questions to the Consultants and eminent panellists. Workshops will also help patients learn more about management and support for their condition.

Anne Jolly MBE, Founder and CEO of SADS UK says: "SADS UK is pleased to collaborate with the ICC clinic. The hospital is only a few miles from the charity's head office and we are able to work collaboratively.

"The charity offers emotional support and counselling to individuals and families who have been impacted by an inherited cardiac condition or bereavement through SADS. The event is free of charge, but patients must register by emailing [email protected] or telephoning SADS UK on 01277 811215."