Expert heart health support now available in the South West

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is expanding its innovative Heart Health Support Service into the South West.

The one-on-one service – previously called the Virtual Cardiac Rehabilitation program – links recovering cardiac patients with specialist rehabilitation nurses via telehealth.

The service supports patients from the hospital into the home, creating tailored rehabilitation programs to suit individual patient needs, including education, medication support, physical and mental health support.

The cardiac team can also link patients with further local support to create long-term rehabilitation success and reducing the risk of future heart conditions and hospital visits.

WACHS Manager Clinical Telehealth Development Kate Hawkings said the flexibility of the telehealth program meant patients were more likely to start sooner and continue their rehabilitation journeys for longer, increasing health outcomes.

“For patients recovering from a heart attack or surgery, the weeks that follow is crucial in their rehabilitation journey,” she said.

“Minimising the risk of further cardiac events can involve some big lifestyle changes, which for some people can be hard, particularly with the added pressure of travel.

“Having the ability to connect with patients at the click of a button, in a setting that suits them means their needs are being met without the additional stressors that can accompany heart conditions and recovery.”

The service is the latest WACHS initiative using state-of-the-art videoconferencing technology to deliver care close to home.

Nicole Skavik, WACHS Clinical Nurse Specialist, said the service provides support tailored to individual patient needs.

“We get to see firsthand how the service really makes a difference to each patient in their recovery.

“We know early intervention gives the best outcomes, but that can be difficult if a patient can’t drive for weeks or months after a cardiac event.  For us to be able to provide virtual care in a patient’s home or at a nearby health service is a huge benefit.”