Swale Community Leisure and KIMS Hospital Join Forces to Launch Health Pathways Scheme Supporting Cardiac Recovery and Community Wellbeing

Swale Community Leisure has partnered with KIMS Hospital to improve access to specialist cardiac care, cardiac rehabilitation, and a range of other healthcare services.

This initiative marks a significant step in Swale Community Leisure’s long-standing ambition to work more closely with the health sector, supporting individuals across the county in improving their health through specialist physical activity.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Swale Community Leisure has a strong track record of delivering inclusive, community-focused programmes that promote both physical and mental wellbeing. From youth engagement and disability sports to older adult fitness and social inclusion projects, the organisation has consistently worked to reduce health inequalities and improve quality of life for local residents in Sittingbourne, Sheppey, Maidstone, and Meopham.

This new Health Pathways scheme builds on this foundation by offering tailored, community-based support for people living with long-term health conditions. By complementing clinical care with accessible physical activity, the programme empowers individuals to take control of their health and wellbeing.

Dave Harcourt, CEO of Swale Community Leisure, said,

“At Swale Community Leisure (SCL), we are looking forward to launching our Health Pathways initiative in partnership with KIMS Hospital. This is a wonderful opportunity to jointly make a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of our clients, who will benefit from access to the quality services provided by both organisations. Moreover, it marks the beginning of fulfilling a long-held ambition for SCL: to work more closely with the health sector by complementing the expertise of clinical professionals with specialist physical activity support.”

KIMS Hospital is proud to be home to the only private interventional cardiology facility in Kent, offering the most comprehensive private cardiology service in the region. Its state-of-the-art interventional cardiology suite includes two advanced catheter labs, where clinicians perform a wide range of minimally invasive procedures, including angioplasty (stent insertions), ablation, pacemaker implants, and electrophysiology studies.

What sets KIMS Hospital apart is its dedicated Cardiology Unit, staffed by a specialist team of administrators, nurses, physiologists, radiographers, and consultant cardiologists – all working together to deliver exceptional care. As one of the highest-volume independent cardiology facilities in the UK, the hospital also offers a rapid cardiac assessment service to support early diagnosis and personalised treatment planning.

This new partnership between Swale Community Leisure and KIMS Hospital represents a progressive model of integrated care – bridging the gap between clinical treatment and community support to help individuals lead healthier, more active lives.

Anne Hatswell, Head of Surgical and Cardiology Services at KIMS Hospital, highlighted the importance of community support in cardiac recovery:

“This is a fantastic opportunity to work in partnership with Swale Community Leisure to support the recovery and long-term wellbeing of our patients following cardiac procedures. At The Cardiology Centre at KIMS Hospital, our priority is always the health and outcomes of our patients. By joining forces with a community-based organisation, we can ensure a more holistic and accessible approach to rehabilitation – helping patients regain confidence, improve their heart health, and return to everyday life with the support they need.”