The Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation program is a multi-disciplinary program for people recovering from an acute cardiac episode (including heart attack, open heart surgery or angiplastic/stents) or who have a chronic cardiac disease such as heart failure.
The program is designed to assist you to resume an active and fulfilling life and to reduce the risk of further heart disease.
What is involved?
The multi-disciplinary program combines health education, exercise and support for participants in a small group environment.
The exercise sessions are tailored to your current level of activity and encourages a gradual increase in activity.
The comprehensive education sessions cover topics including:
- Risk factor and lifestyle changes
- Cardiac procedures and surgery
- Medications used to manage heart disease
- Healthy eating for heart health
- Depression and stress management
- Benefits and guidelines for activity and exercise
- Emergency plan and CPR training
- Making informed decisions
Partners or close friends are welcome to join the education sessions.
How long does it run for?
The cardiac rehabilitation program runs for up to 8 weeks. Participants attend for 2 hours twice weekly.
The Donvale Cardiac Rehabilitation Team
The team consists of:
- Rehabilitation specialist
- Cardiac rehabilitation nurse
- Exercise physiologist
- Occupational therapist
- Dietitian
- Pharmacist
- Psychologist
- Social worker
Cost
We have arrangements with most health funds and Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which ensures your out-of-pocket expenses are kept to a minimum. Participants will be notified of any costs prior to commencing the program.
Participants will be referred whilst an inpatient at their acute hospital (such as Warringal Private Hospital), however referrals can also be provided by a surgeon, cardiologist or general medical practitioner.
The cardiac rehabilitation nurse will contact you to arrange an initial assessment by a rehabilitation specialist at Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital.
Referrals should be addressed to:
Mail: Donvale Rehabilitation Hospital, 1119 Doncaster Rd, Donvale, 3111
Fax: 03 9841 1405
Email: outpatient.drh@ramsayhealth.com.au