Nikki Butler is a Clinical Nurse who works in The Wesley Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Heartwise Services which is a medically supervised program designed to support people following a heart event shared how this service works.

The cardiac rehabilitation service can support people who have experienced heart attacks, had heart surgery as well as those who have recently experienced heart related chest pain or heart failure.

“The program is designed to promote wellness and encourage lifestyle changes where appropriate,” Nikki said.

“We work with patients and their cardiology care team to help them recover from heart episodes and reduce the risk of them occurring again.

“Our team create flexible plans tailored to each patient helping them to reach their own personal health goals.”

Nikki explains the program covers many different topics including exercise, diet and nutrition, counselling and education, emotional health support and long-term recovery planning.

Patients attend a minimum of two sessions each week which lasts up to 90 minutes and are held in a group setting.

“Physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, dieticians and psychologists can also see patients where appropriate.

“This multidisciplinary approach has been successful and we have had wonderful feedback from our patients who appreciate the ability to return to exercise in a safe, confident and supportive environment.”

Nikki said patients also enjoy the ability to meet other people who are on the same health journey as themselves.

Patients can be referred to the service by a GP or Specialist, you can find out more information on our Cardiac rehabilitation page.