Silverchain and COORDINARE have launched a new free health prevention initiative designed to lower the risk of heart disease among adults living in South Eastern New South Wales.
The initiative, called Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds, will be delivered by Silverchain’s experienced nursing team and initially offered at nine GP practices across the region. Developed by COORDINARE, the South Eastern NSW primary health network, Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds aims to improve cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing through proactive, community-based care.
The new program is aimed at reducing the high rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and related hospitalisations and deaths in South Eastern NSW, which are among the highest in the state^. In the 2022-23 financial year there were 1,564 hospitalisations attributed to CVD in the region.
Silverchain’s Executive Director, South Australia & East Coast Tamra Bridges said the organisation is proud to expand its nationally recognised nurse-led care coordination model in the region to improve access to timely and quality care.
“Silverchain has a strong history of delivering high-quality, nurse-led care across Australia, and we’re excited to extend that expertise to support the communities of South Eastern NSW to improve their heart health and overall wellbeing,” Ms Bridges said.
“Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds empowers people to take control of their health before problems arise. By working closely with COORDINARE and local GPs, we’re ensuring that preventative care is accessible, personalised, and delivered in the heart of the community.
“Our longstanding partnership with COORDINARE reflects our shared commitment to reducing avoidable hospitalisations and improving long-term health outcomes through early intervention and compassionate care.”
Silverchain nurses will collaborate with GPs to assess eligible patients for an assessment using the Heart Foundation’s Heart Health Check Toolkit to create action plans. They will also connect patients to services and supports including health coaching, enabling them to self-manage their heart health.
Silverchain nurses will also refer patients to community care providers including dieticians and exercise physiologists, recommend support programs such as walking groups, share resources via digital platforms, and coordinate with other health care providers to ensure patients receive the best care.
Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds services will be provided face-to-face and via telehealth where needed. It is funded by COORDINARE, through the Australian Government’s Primary Health Network program.
A referral from a GP, who is based in South Eastern NSW is required to enrol on the Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds program. GPs participating in Healthy Hearts Healthy Minds include:
• Braidwood Medical Centre
• Gwynneville Medical Practice
• Windang Family Medical Centre
• Corrimal Family Medical
• Kiama Doctors
• Mulwaree Doctors
• Sussex Doctors
• Vincentia Bay Medical
• Wollongong Doctors
^Centre for Epidemiology and Evidence, HealthStats NSW.
