What’s this project all about?
This activity is part of Healthy Working Life, a joint programme of the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board.
People recovering from heart attacks and cardiac procedures across Mid Yorkshire are getting specialist support to help them safely return to work, thanks to funding through Healthy Working Life.
The Mid-Yorkshire Cardiac Rehabilitation team has expanded its service to include dedicated occupational therapy support for working-age adults recovering from cardiac events.
The service supports people with fatigue management, sleep, confidence and vocational rehabilitation following heart attacks, surgery and other cardiac conditions.
Katie Erceylan, Occupational Therapist, said: “For many people, work is a huge part of recovery. Returning to work safely can improve confidence, routine, mental wellbeing and quality of life.”
She added: “People often tell us they feel lost after a cardiac event. They want to work again but don’t know how to manage fatigue, stress or conversations with employers. Our role is to support them through that journey.”
The occupational therapy team offers one-to-one rehabilitation sessions, flexible appointments and tailored advice for patients and employers. Support includes phased return-to-work plans, fatigue and sleep management, and health and work reports to help employers understand how best to support recovery.
Nancy’s story
Nancy, whose name has been changed, was referred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Occupational Therapy service after experiencing a serious heart attack in August 2025.
Before her heart attack, Nancy had already spent time away from work due to stress. Following emergency treatment and ongoing cardiac care, she struggled with severe fatigue, poor sleep and brain fog, which affected her confidence and daily life.
Over the following months, Nancy worked closely with the occupational therapy team to build her strength and confidence. She attended lower-level cardiac rehabilitation exercise classes, developed structured fatigue management routines and gradually increased her activity levels at home.
Despite setbacks linked to other health conditions, Nancy continued to make progress.
Katie said: “Recovery is rarely straightforward. We worked with Nancy over several months to help her manage fatigue, rebuild confidence and prepare for work in a way that felt safe and sustainable.”
As Nancy’s recovery improved, the team supported her with vocational rehabilitation and completed a detailed health and work report to guide her employer.
Nancy returned to work in March 2026 on a phased return with permanent lighter duties to support her ongoing recovery. By April, she had successfully returned to full-time hours with a consistent work-life balance.
Nancy said she was “very thankful” for the support provided by the Cardiac OT team.
Supporting recovery through work
Nancy’s story is just one of many positive outcomes from the Healthy Working Life-funded service. Patients supported by the team have returned to physically demanding roles including paramedic support work, warehouse work, aviation and frontline services. Others have adjusted working patterns, reduced stress or explored new career options that better support their health.
One patient returned to work as a paramedic assistant after rebuilding strength and confidence through therapy. Poul, a long-haul flight attendant, is back in the skies after a cardiac event - thanks to specialist rehabilitation support from the team. Read Poul’s story and watch his video.
The service has also helped people establish healthier routines around work, including taking regular breaks, managing stress and setting boundaries to protect their wellbeing.
Katie said: “Returning to work is not just about employment. It’s about helping people regain independence, purpose and normality after a life-changing health event.”
Patients and employers have also praised the practical support provided by the service.
One patient said: “I can't thank the cardiac team enough. The report written for my work was brilliant, and my work are thrilled because it tells them clearly what to do and how to support my return to work.”
Another said: “Thanks for your help with going back to work after my heart attack. The reports and advice made such a difference and I’m back full time now.”
The difference made
Healthy Working Life funding has enabled the Mid Yorkshire Cardiac Rehabilitation team to provide earlier intervention and more personalised support, helping more people stay in work or return safely following serious cardiac illness. The figures speak for themselves:
Since May 2024 to March 2026, we’ve referred 195 patients for cardiac OT support.
From April 2025 to end March 2026, following the Healthy Working Life funding:
- 57 people received specialist vocational rehabilitation
- 30 successfully returned to work
You can also view this cardiac rehabilitation team helps people to return to work after serious heart conditions case study as a PDF.