The Murray Valley Private Cardiac Rehabilitation program is a multi-disciplinary program for people recovering from an acute cardiac episode (including heart attack, open heart surgery or angioplasty/stents) or who have a chronic cardiac disease such as heart failure. The program is designed to assist participants to resume an active and fulfilling life and to reduce the risk of further heart disease.

The program will address your specific needs and may include:

• Gym-based exercise sessions tailored to assist in increasing physical capacity, tolerance and endurance over the course of the program
• Occupational Therapy to maximise independence and confidence in returning to daily activity, including driving, personal and domestic care
• Pharmacy and Dietetic education sessions about nutrition, dietary habits and medications relevant to your condition
• Other patient education sessions including
• Risk factor identification and lifestyle changes
• Cardiac physiology and symptom management
• Medications used to manage heart disease
• Healthy eating and food choices for heart health
• Depression and stress management
• Benefits and guidelines for activity and exercise
• Heart Support Australia
• Energy conservation and Pacing
• Returning to activities of daily living.

 

Partners or close friends are welcome to attend the education sessions. 

The multi-disciplinary program combines health education, exercise and support for participants in a small group environment. The Cardiac Rehabilitation program runs for up to 6 weeks. Participants attend for 3 hours twice weekly on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The exercise sessions are individually tailored to participants’ current level of activity and encourage a gradual increase in activity. Ongoing therapy options are available for those participants who have ongoing goals. Our team will provide you with a comprehensive exercise program for you to continue at home.

• Comfortable clothing for exercise and enclosed supported shoes
• Towel and water bottle
• Relevant medications required for exercise

On the first day of your program please also bring relevant x-rays and doctors’ correspondence.

We have agreements with most health funds and Department of Veterans’ Affairs, which ensure your out-of-pocket expenses are kept to a minimum. You will be notified of any costs prior to commencing the program.

• A referral from a GP or medical specialist
• Recovering from an acute cardiac episode or have a chronic cardiac disease
• Clearance for exercise and or hydrotherapy from your GP or specialist 

Referrals may be made on your behalf by surgeons, specialists or general medical practitioners. Referrals may also be received directly from hospitals after an inpatient
stay.

Referrals can be faxed to 02 6024 7152 or call 02 6055 3100 for more information.

Download our online referral form here.

After a referral has been made, the Day Rehabilitation Coordinator will contact you to arrange an initial assessment with a Rehabilitation Specialist at Murray Valley
Private Hospital.