Volunteers Have a Heart for Cardiac Surgery Patients

A group of dedicated volunteers were as busy as Southcoast staff preparing for the new cardiac surgery program.

The crafters, who hail from Mansfield, Massachusetts, have created heart-shaped pillows that will be given to each open-heart patient after surgery. The pillows will play a role in the patients’ recovery.

After surgery, patients are encouraged to cough and breathe deeply to prevent fluid from building in the lungs. Hugging a pillow against the chest during these exercises helps relieve the pain from their sternal incision.

“This is a wonderful group of people who also make blankets, sweaters, hats, gloves and lap robes for our patients,” said Agatha St. Amour, Director of Volunteer Services at Southcoast. “We are really lucky to have them.”

“These pillows bring a bit of home to the patient, while having a very practical value,” said Rob Rose, RN, CCRN, Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery. “And patients can take them home to remind them of the importance of continuing their deep breathing exercises.”

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