Highly commended podiatry service helps detect stroke risk

7 January 2026

Hywel Dda University Health Board’s podiatry clinics are playing a vital role in detecting hidden heart conditions that can lead to stroke.

This pioneering approach, which uses a small mobile device to identify atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder and major cause of stroke, has been highly commended in the Digital and Technology Innovation category at the Advancing Healthcare Awards Cymru 2025.

The initiative is a collaboration between Hywel Dda’s Podiatry Service, Arrhythmia Service, and Value-Based Healthcare Team, supported by digital teams across the health board.

Traditionally, podiatrists who detected irregular pulses would refer patients to their GP for an electrocardiogram (ECG), a process that could take time and sometimes meant a longer wait for diagnosis.

Now, with the AliveCor KardiaMobile devices in clinics, a medical-grade ECG can be captured in just 30 seconds. Artificial intelligence flags potential abnormalities, enabling rapid referral to the Arrhythmia Service for confirmation. Patients with confirmed AF are then referred directly to their GP for timely treatment.

Ffion Lloyd-Thomas, podiatrist and project lead, said: “We’ve always checked circulation and listened to pulses, so irregular heartbeats were often picked up. Previously, we relied on sending letters to GPs for ECGs, which sometimes meant delays. Now, we can refer patients straight away for confirmation and ensure they get the care they need sooner.”

The streamlined pathway means patients are diagnosed more quickly and closer to home, reducing unnecessary follow-up tests and improving outcomes.

Wyndham Marks, a patient from Llanelli, shared his experience: “I went to the clinic for my feet and found out I had an irregular heartbeat and that shocked me.”

“I’m going to look after myself a lot better now than I have been doing. I don’t know how long I have been walking around with irregular heartbeat and I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t gone to see about my feet.”

Christian Newman, Deputy Head of Value-Based Healthcare at Hywel Dda, said: “This is an excellent example of Value-Based Healthcare in action. By identifying AF early, we’re reducing stroke risk and healthcare costs while improving patient outcomes.”

Dr Clive Weston, Lead for Cardiology, added: “This joined-up approach shows how podiatrists, cardiac physiologists, and GPs can work together to support heart and brain health alongside foot care.”

Hywel Dda plans to expand AF screening into diabetes centres and vascular clinics, targeting patient groups most at risk.

ENDS

MEET THE TEAM: From left to right Mathew Banner, Advanced Practitioner in Arrhythmia Community Cardiology Arrhythmia Team, HDUHB; Carly Tucker-Williams, Project Manager Value Based Health Care, HDUHB; Ffion Lloyd-Thomas, Podiatrist, HDUHB; Christian Newman, Deputy Head of Value Based Health Care, HDUHB and Jane Lewis (Cardiff Met).