Outreach Heart Failure Diagnostic Clinics
The Outreach Heart Failure Diagnostic Clinic supported by A/Prof Andrew Roy from the St Vincent’s Network, funded using COAG 19 (2) Exemptions, aims to ensure patients in rural communities at risk, or have symptoms of heart failure have timely and affordable access to screening and diagnostic assessment including echocardiography.
Our most recent clinics have been held in West Wyalong at Kure Medical in September, and then in Hay at Hay medical Centre and the Hay Aboriginal Medical Service. Across these clinics we have seen a further 28 patients.
There were numerous new heart failure diagnosis and new clinical findings clinic investigations, with 9 clients likely avoiding ED presentation/hospital admission/ clinical events. Where identified, clients were linked with community services to ensure a holistic approach to care.
Clinician supported telehealth consultations has been effectively utilised within the clinics with positive feedback from all clients involved.
Feedback from both the host practice, patients and their families has been extremely positive, appreciative of no cost, with clear, comprehensive information and education provided.
The Outreach team passes on their gratitude to the host practices, Kure Medical, Hay Medical Centre and Hay Aboriginal Medical Service, to all the referring General Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners and efforts of the practice nurses and managers, from West Wyalong, Temora and Hay, and without this, the clinics wouldn’t be possible.
We look forward to our next clinic scheduled in Lake Cargelligo on the 14th and 15th November and are now accepting referrals.
For further information contact mlhd-respiratoryandheartfailureclinics@health.nsw.gov.au
