Four older people sit behind a long trestle table with papers in front of them

The 2022-23 Executive Committee: Vice-president Traci Moore, Secretary Reg Wilkinson, President Doug Short and Treasurer Ruth Cornish (absent Vice-president Bruce See).

Heart Health onwards and upwards

Sep 06, 2022
This article was published 2 years ago.

Heart Health NSW has reflected on a challenging year at its Annual General Meeting this week with renewed determination to continue its valued support of cardiac patients at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.

The volunteer group, which provides advocacy and support to Port Macquarie Base Hospital cardiac patients and their carers, met at Wauchope Country Club where they elected their executive committee for 2022-23.

Doug Short was returned as president, Traci Moore and Bruce See as Vice-presidents, Reg Wilkinson as Secretary and Ruth Cornish as Treasurer.

President Short said the pandemic, COVID-19 restrictions on hospital visitors and the personal health and wellbeing of some Heart Health volunteers had caused significant challenges to the group’s patient rehabilitation and advocacy at PMBH during 2021-22, but the challenges had been met thanks to the hard work and support of members, in particular the executive committee members.

“Despite all the drama that COVID and its various strains has caused us, and our rather limited cash position, we have managed to make some small contributions to the hospital and buy some much needed equipment for our own use,” Mr Short said.

Donations to the Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit included a new upright exercise bike, thoracic supports for clients post-surgery, clip boards for use in the exercise class, and a Bluetooth speaker for virtual exercise classes.

“Sincere thanks must also be lavished on the members at large, who have continued to endure all the often conflicting and confusing regulations we were all under and you have still managed and continued to support us.”

Mr Short also took the opportunity to congratulate Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator Jannie Denyer on recently receiving the prestigious Dr Alan Goble Distinguished Service Award.

The award, presented to Ms Denyer at the Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Association (ACRA) Conference on the Gold Coast earlier this month, is the most prestigious award for cardiac rehabilitation clinicians in Australia.

“This is a thoroughly deserved award, and long overdue,” Mr Short said.

“The citizens of the Hastings are very lucky to have her services, together with the capable assistance of Carolyn and many other able helpers to provide education and physical activity means for a successful recovery.”

A group of people sitting in chairs in an auditorium

Members in attendance at the Heart Health NSW Inc AGM.

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