The Cardiac Network brings together clinicians, health managers and consumers to create and implement new models of care to improve and standarise cardiovascular care.
We focus on:
- equity of access and outcome for people across NSW
- healthcare experiences and outcomes for people with cardiovascular conditions
- clinician experiences of delivering care
- effectiveness and efficiency of care in NSW
- delivery of evidence-based care.
Cardiovascular disease is a group of conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. It includes coronary artery disease, heart failure, stroke and rheumatic heart disease.
As a major cause of death and disability in Australia, cardiovascular disease places a huge burden on the economy and the healthcare system. It costs $11.8 billion a year and accounts for 11% of all hospitalisations in Australia.1,2
Most cardiovascular diseases can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors, such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol.3
Network structure
The network is led by two co-chairs, one medical and one nursing.
Dr Suzanne Eshoo
Medical Co-Chair
Cardiologist, Blacktown Hospital
Ms Sandra Hamill
Nursing Co-Chair
Cardiac Chronic and Complex Disease Coordinator, Blacktown Hospital
Committees
Chronic cardiovascular clinical expert reference group
This committee focuses on improving the management of people with chronic cardiovascular conditions. Membership includes clinicians working in cardiology services, general practitioners, palliative care specialists and consumers.
Rural working party
This working party focuses on improving health outcomes for people living in rural and regional NSW.
Communities of practice
The three communities of practice provide peer support and networking:
- Cardiac rehabilitation
- Heart failure
- Cardiology nursing
Partners
- NSW Ministry of Health
- NSW Ambulance
- eHealth
- Heart Foundation (NSW)
- Clinical Excellence Commission
- Cancer Institute NSW
- Sax Institute
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of Death, Australia. Canberra: ABS; 2020 [cited 15 Mar 2023].
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Heart, stroke and vascular disease: Australian facts. Canberra: AIHW; 2023 [cited 15 Mar 2023].
- World Health Organization. Cardiovascular diseases. Geneva: WHO; 2019 [cited 15 Mar 2023].
Get involved
We welcome clinicians and health consumers to join the network to share your knowledge, experience and perspective.
Our network fosters a collaborative culture and values equity of voice for all members.
