New Brunswick Heart Surgery Support Group Inc.

2011 Board of Directors: Brenda McRae, Co-Chairperson, Robert MacAndrew, Secretary, Ken Elliot, Chairperson, Stewart Rogers, Treasurer.

Upon the inception of the NB Heart Centre in 1991, the NBHSSG Inc. was created. This support group is comprised of former open heart surgery patients who visit patients, as well as their family members, and offer emotional support. The NBHSSG Inc. continues to be an integral part of the cardiac surgery program at the NBHC.

A member of the NBHSSG Inc. visits open heart surgery patients the day prior to their surgical procedure and again before discharge from the hospital. These patients are located on one of the NBHC Nursing Units such as 5BN-Cardiac Services, CCU or 5ANorth.

Former open heart surgery patients from the greater Saint John area are recruited and trained as new visitors. Membership continues to grow and the NBHSSG Inc. remains as a vital organization.

Two gatherings of visitors are held each year. Educational talks are offered by guest speakers in areas such as recent developments in the field of cardiac care.

The NBHSSG Inc. is supported by the United Commercial Travelers, Jack Kidd Council #755, The Knights of Columbus Council #6770 and the Real Atlantic Superstores. These supporters have been instrumental in allowing the group to fulfil its mandate.

The NBHSSG Inc. is always seeking new recruits to join the ranks of members and visitors. If you are, or know of, a former open heart surgery patient who might be interested in becoming a volunteer visitor, please contact us at the NBHC at (506) 648-7288 or by e-mail at nbhc@HorizonNB.ca and we will put you in touch with a member of the Executive Committee.