Heart Health Support Service extends to Goldfields

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) has expanded its innovative Heart Health Support Service (HHSS) to residents in the Goldfields areas of Esperance and Norseman.

This Telehealth and Virtual Care Awareness Week (21-25 October) WA Country Health Service is highlighting the stories, successes and innovations that have enhanced delivery of care to country communities.

Chief Executive Jeff Moffet said expanding virtual models of care to more regional areas is important to meet the growing needs of country communities.

“At WA Country Health Service, our service area spans over 2.55 million square kilometres – and our healthcare delivery requires new and innovative approaches that go the distance,” Mr Moffet said.

The Heart Health Support Service (HHSS) is a specialist nurse-led service transforming cardiac rehabilitation, delivering one-on-one virtual (telehealth: telephone or video) appointments to country patients in the comfort of their own home.

Programs can also be developed and adapted to support patients with education, medication review and physical and mental health support.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Nurse Specialist Nicole Skavik said it was exciting the see the progress made and reflect on patient stories shared along the way.

“The Heart Health Support Service was developed to provide support to our patients living in the country,” she said.

“It’s great to see how far the service has come now, knowing we’ve supported 570 patients to date.

“It’s also rewarding to know how much the service is helping patients like Moora local Steven Yappo who was able to use the service following a heart attack.

“The service helped him stay on track and made him feel reassured throughout his recovery and rehabilitation.”

To access the Heart Health Support Service, patients can seek a referral from their GP or healthcare provider.