More than 40 members of Heart Health got together last week for a friendly catch-up and barbecue lunch.

Heart to heart after months apart

Mar 29, 2022

Members of Heart Health, their friends and relatives got together for a relaxed barbecue and much-needed catch-up on 23 March.

The volunteers, who provide advocacy and support to Port Macquarie Base Hospital cardiac patients and their carers, enjoyed a morning of friendship at Lake Cathie Reserve.

More than 40 members enjoyed the lunch and company, which was perfectly timed before this latest bout of rain.

The catch-up was much needed as some of the volunteers had not seen each other since volunteering services were suspended in NSW hospitals last year due to the pandemic.

Heart Health members are looking forward to returning the hospital’s Coronary Care Unit and Cardiac Rehabilitation program, where they provide support, education and encouragement to people who have had a heart event or surgery.

That support is extended to patients’ carers, partners and families.

The volunteers also assist the hospital’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator Jannie Denyer and Physiotherapist Carolyn Hamilton with the hospital’s rehabilitation program.

Raising funds for cardiac and rehabilitation equipment is also part of the group’s activities and has been for many years as Heart Health NSW and previously as Heart Support. This has included $36,000 outdoor gymnasium, staff training opportunities, waiting room furniture, blood pressure monitor and weight chair, shade sails, patient information boards, and a walking track at the rear of the hospital.