Our Services: Clinical services

Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Cardiac rehabilitation describes all measures to help people with heart disease to return to an active and satisfying life and to prevent recurrence of cardiac events (National Heart Foundation).

The cardiac programs at Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital are designed for anyone who has had a heart attack, coronary artery stenting, heart surgery, insertion of an ICD (defibrillator) or heart failure.

The cardiac rehabilitation team consists of rehabilitation specialist, general practitioner, cardiac rehabilitation nurse, nursing staff, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, exercise physiologist, dietitian, psychologist, social worker.

The multidisciplinary team works together to assess each patient and design a specific rehabilitation program based on the needs and goals of the patient and their family.

Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital offers a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program. Both inpatient and outpatient programs are provided. There is no waiting time to commence either program.

The outpatient program is conducted twice a week over five weeks. Each session is two hours in duration and consists of a supervised exercise session and an education session. The exercise component is individually tailored and supervised. It aims to safely increase the level of exercise, incorporating aerobic cardiovascular fitness and muscle strengthening exercises. The education component covers topics such as

• understanding heart disease
• medications
• healthy eating
• stress management
• return to work and daily activities
• the psychosocial impact of the cardiac event.

The aims of the program are to assist the participant to completely resume a fulfilling life and to reduce the possibility of further heart disease.

All private health funds and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs cover the full cost of the program.

Referrals can be initiated to Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital by medical, therapy or nursing staff in the acute hospital. If being referred from home, a doctor’s referral is necessary. When contacting the hospital, please ask to speak to the Cardiac Program Coordinator.