The Cardiac Rehabilitation Outpatient Program guides, supports and assists clients in their recovery from a cardiac event or procedure. It offers information about managing heart problems and changing lifestyle habits to minimise the risk of future heart problems. Cardiac rehabilitation is for people who have had:
- A heart attack
- Heart surgery
- Angioplasty or a stent
- Angina
- Multiple risk factors for heart disease
- Pacemaker implanted
The Cardiac Rehabilitation Outpatient Program offers a 9 week supervised exercise program, in conjunction with heart health information sessions, focusing on long term risk reduction strategies. It is based on guidelines set out by the National Heart Foundation & Heart Research Centre. Research by the National Heart Foundation shows that people who attend a cardiac rehabilitation program increase their chance of survival.
The program is facilitated by a team of health professionals, including:
- Physician
- Dietician
- Physiotherapist
- Cardiac Nurse
- Pharmacist
- Occupational Therapist
- Psycho-social Care Coordinator
- Diabetes Educator
Starting the Program: Prior to commencing the program, a pre-program assessment is required with a nurse and/or physiotherapist. A current medication sheet should be brought to this assessment.
Fees: A small weekly fee applies for this program.
Transport: Transport assistance may be arranged if participants are unable to drive themselves. Please contact the program co-ordinator for information.
Follow up: Participants are followed up at 3 and 9 months post completion of the program.
We encourage participants to continue with being active. There are many options available in the community and they will be discussed during and upon completion of the program.
The Frances Hewett Community Centre offers exercise programs. For further information phone (03) 5551 8450.
For further information about the program please contact the Program Coordinator.
Heart failure: For heart failure disease management, care coordination and support click here.
Referral
Referral into the Cardiac Rehabilitation Outpatient Program is accepted from a medical practitioner, other health professional or referring hospital. Self-referrals are also accepted. Referral methods accepted include:
- e-referral via Trakcare – for inpatients from acute wards
- Facsimile
- Service Coordination Tool Templates (SCTT)
- Phone or verbal referral
- Self-referral