A DUDLEY cardiologist has been honoured by a national heart charity in recognition of more than 30 years work in fighting against heart disease.

Dr Jane Flint, of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, has been given the Heart Hero Influencing Award by British Heart Foundation (BHF) for the way she has sought to improve the treatment and care of people with the illness.

Throughout her consultant career, Dr Flint has played an important role in a programme helping patients in Dudley recover from and manage their condition through the Action Heart Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation Programme.

Dr Flint said: “I am very touched for my nomination by Action Heart colleagues and recognition by the BHF for twenty years on their committees among many others at network and national level.

“I am proud to have helped lead the Black Country’s fight against its high incidence of heart disease, and by engaging in national standard setting have been able to influence progress everywhere as well as locally.”

In her work, Dr Flint has sought to address inequalities in the way women with cardiac problems are treated, as well as establishing the Cardiovascular Care Partnership UK to promote the views of patients and carers within the health service.

Simon Gillespie, chief executive at the BHF, said: “I am delighted that we can recognise Dr Flint for her commitment to improving the care of heart patients.

“Throughout her career she has emphasised an approach which has sought to unite patients, carers and health professionals. Through her dedication and hard work she has used her influence to change healthcare services for the better.”