In 2007, the BHF came together with other leading national charities to form the Cardio & Vascular Coalition (CVC), an organisation committed to working with government and others to promote and protect cardiovascular health in England. The CVC's main objective is to devise a comprehensive Cardiovascular Health Strategy for 2010-2020 that connects prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care. The existing National Service Framework (NSF) for Coronary Heart Disease in England ends in 2009, and the Coalition has been gathering information for a consultation document (a Green Paper) on cardiovascular issues, to be published in autumn 2008.
The Coalition commissioned a research project, Cardiovascular Disease in England: Opportunities and Challenges Over the Next Ten Years, to assess current strengths and weaknesses in cardiovascular services over the coming decade. It also set up working groups to address key cardiovascular issues and a forum to examine inequalities in health outcomes and service provision. The research project is complete. The Coalition now consists of 32 leading cardiovascular health charities and has a strong relationship with the Department of Health.
Dr Melita Brownrigg, a GP with a special interest in patient-centred practice, ethics and medical education, commented: "The NSF definitely led to improvements in prevention and service delivery programmes, but cardiovascular disease is still the UK's biggest killer. The work of the CVC is particularly welcome in bringing together the views of patient groups, charities and professional associations. I look forward to hearing their suggestions for a new Cardiovascular Health Strategy."
Many projects will be completed in 2008, including a parliamentary launch of the Coalition in May. In October 2008, the Green Paper will seek the views of CVC members and other key stakeholders on what to include in a report (a White Paper) - Cardiovascular Health Strategy for 2010-2020. The Coalition will promote the project and publish the paper in February 2009.
