The Western Sydney Cardiology program is a collaborative effort designed to improve the early detection of cardiovascular diseases and support the management of heart conditions.
The Western Sydney Cardiology (WSC) program aims to prevent serious illness and reduce the need of hospitalisation for patients with heart conditions. The program works to improve the early detection of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and support the management of heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation (AF).
This initiative connects primary care with specialists, pharmacists and various health care tools to ensure that cardiology care is delivered at the right time, in the right place, the first time.
Never miss a beat
CVD is a problem that many parts of the community have an interest in solving. Working together, through the WSC program, we can create a range of strategies in Western Sydney that focus on the prevention and management of CVD.
As part of the Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) transformational journey, health professionals have access to the following resources and guidance on how to optimise them:
CQI Cardiology Toolkit
This toolkit is designed to simplify change into manageable activities using data-driven improvement tools, improve financial sustainability and allow users to earn CPD points.
How to Use
This toolkit includes flexible, practical activities designed to meet your practice’s unique needs. Activities are not intended to be completed in sequence — you can start where it makes the most sense for your team.
- CQI Cardiology Toolkit – Condense version
- CQI Cardiology Toolkit – Workbook version
- CQI Cardiology Toolkit – Explore Individual Modules and Activities Below
Practices can also utilise the Heart Foundation’s Heart Health Check Toolkit.
Tools and Enablers
The latest cardiology clinical topics, protocols and localised public and private referral services can be found on the Western Sydney HealthPathways website:
- Cardiology pathway
- Cardiology Referrals pathway
- Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Assessment pathway
GoShare is a free patient education platform that allows general practices to share tailored and up-to-date resources (including videos and fact sheets) with patients. There are specific Heart Health Check GoShare bundles that can help increase health literacy and enhance patient awareness and engagement.
the Kardia Mobile allows quick (30secs), accurate ECG ideal for screening and enabling early detection of Atrial Fibrillation, a key risk
factor for stroke.
Continuous Monitoring: HeartBug ECG is a single led ECG allows real-time remote monitoring of patients with suspected arrhythmia.
The Heart Foundation Walking Groups are free and are effective in encouraging people to increase their physical activity which can help prevent and manage diabetes, cardiovascular, mental health and their weight. Join a walking group and make every step matter.
The Western Sydney Pharmacist in General Practice Program integrates non-dispensing pharmacists into general practices to provide clinical and educational services as part of a collaborative, patient-centred care team.
GPs have direct access to Local Health District specialist advice and escalation options through the Rapid Access Stabilisation (RAS) Service for three streams; Cardiology, Endocrinology and Respiratory . Access by calling GP Support Line 1300 972 915 (Mon-Fri 9am-7pm).
InTouch Care facilitator at the Local Health District can support people with chronic conditions and complex needs who may be at risk of unplanned hospitalisation in the next 12 months. For more information or referrals, call 1800 113 644
We’ve partnered with Collective Leisure to deliver inclusive sport, recreation and wellbeing activities within Western Sydney. Programs vary and are targeted at seniors, those living with disability, culturally diverse populations and students. The programs help reduce social isolation, loneliness and improve overall wellbeing.
Visit the Collective Leisure website for more information about these community programs.