Heartbeat helps all members of the multidisciplinary team to care for cardiac patients in the Cardiothoracic Care Centre through generous donations every year. This team is made up of eight different disciplines, each with its own unique role and contribution for the provision of excellent care.

Medical Staff manage the pre and post operative care of all surgical patients. This includes seeing patients in the pre-admission clinic, checking the patient on admission to the ward, carrying out surgical procedures and management of any complications post-operatively, communicating with the patient’s family, local Doctor, referral team, nursing staff and Allied Health to provide quality care.

Nursing Staff co-ordinate and manage the delivery of individual patient care. They do this by making assessments and referrals, planning and prioritising patient care, implementation of care objectives and evaluation of outcomes.

The Physiotherapist maintains or improves the patient mobility and exercise tolerance, addressing management of breathlessness, leg weakness or balance problems in order to get them back on their feet, as well as co-ordinating the rehabilitation program at the hospital and organising referrals.

The Dietician advises on appropriate nutrition. What each of us eats for health and enjoyment varies with our needs and tastes. A qualified Dietician is available to help patients with food and nutrition advice in hospital or at home.

The Pharmacist provides patients and medical staff with an understanding of safe, appropriate and correct use of medications. This involves checking dosages, determination of drug interactions and their side effects to ensure drugs are administered correctly. On discharge every patient is given advice regarding medications.

The Social Worker promotes the psychological recovery of the patient and supports their family by co-ordinating the discharge plan, ensuring that community and family supports are in place. A pivotal part is to provide the opportunity for the patient and care providers to talk about their feelings and expectations about surgery and the future.

Pastoral Care is concerned with the spiritual needs of patients and their families. It is based on a relationship of trust. This service is offered through attentive listening and supportive care in helping people to cope with their inner world of responses and reactions in times of illness.

The Speech Pathologist assesses and provides assistance to any patient presenting with swallowing and/or communication disorders as a result of surgery or post-operative complications. Recommended modified diets and/or thickened fluids along with strategies to promote safe swallowing and exercises to strengthen swallowing muscles and/or improve swallowing are also provided.

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