Heartfelt success: 12 months of outreach care

The Outreach Heart Failure Diagnostic Clinic is proud to mark its 12-month anniversary, celebrating a year of significant achievements. The clinic is part of Murrumbidgee Collaborative Commissioning’s Living Well, Your Way initiative and is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in healthcare delivery.

The clinic was established as a public-private partnership model between the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, Roy Cardiology linked with St Vincent's Network, and primary care providers including Aboriginal Medical Services in the western sector of the Murrumbidgee.

Since its inception, the clinic has provided comprehensive assessment and diagnostic services for people living with chronic heart failure. Over the past 12 months, 22 per cent of patients who attended the clinic were diagnosed with heart failure, with 18 per cent identified as avoiding hospitalisation. Where necessary, patients were referred for further investigations or interventions, ensuring timely access to specialised care, while others were connected to community services for ongoing support.

Associate Professor Andrew Roy, of Roy Cardiology / St Vincent's Network – Sydney, said he was pleased with the clinic's progress.

‘The Outreach Heart Failure Diagnostic Clinic showcases the transformative potential of collaborative healthcare models,’ Associate Professor Roy said.

‘By bridging gaps in access and expertise, bringing specialists together with the communities that need support, we are not only diagnosing conditions but also empowering patients to take control of their health journey.’

Hay General Practitioner Dr Muhammad Shahzad Arshed said the Cardiac Outreach Clinic was deeply appreciated by both the Hay Medical Centre and the local community.

‘Formal recognition and profound appreciation from both the community and Hay Medical Centre have been extended towards the Cardiac Outreach Clinic for their invaluable contributions,’ Dr Shahzad Arshed said.

‘We collectively express our deepest gratitude for the clinic's steadfast commitment, and acknowledge the significant impact demonstrated in the success stories that showcase the clinic’s positive influence on the healthcare landscape within our region.’

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Better Cardiac Care measures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people: eighth national report 2023 highlights the need for timely diagnosis of First Nations people with heart failure. Across Australia only 25 per cent of First Nations people with suspected or confirmed heart disease are reviewed by a cardiologist. So far, 34 per cent of patients attending the clinic have been First Nations people.

Fiona McKern, Clinic Organiser, Senior Lead – Living Well, Your Way, said patients have expressed gratitude to the specialists and staff for bringing the clinic to their rural communities in the western sector. 

‘The patients speak of convenience, cost savings including travel and accommodation, time off work and the reduced burden on carers,’ Ms McKern said.  

‘The advice provided in the clinic was clear and easy to understand, and being in a familiar environment such as the general practice or Aboriginal Medical Service made it non-threatening and improved attendance. Comprehensive assessments and diagnostics have supported early diagnosis, and optimising management and support in the community will help improve people’s quality of life and reduce the risk of hospitalisation.’

The Living Well, Your Way initiative aims to build a better way of delivering healthcare for people with chronic conditions including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Congestive Heart Failure (CHF).

For more information, visit livingwellyourway.org.au