Women’s heart troubles on the agenda

7 May 2008

The latest advances in the treatment of heart patients in rural areas will be showcased to more than 100 clinicians from the Hunter New England Health region in Armidale at the second annual Diversity in Rural Cardiology conference tomorrow (Thursday, 8 May).

The Diversity in Rural Cardiology conference will feature 13 guest speakers covering a wide range of topics including the clinical management of a patient with heart disease, a patient’s journey and new innovations in cardiac care.

This year the conference will held during Heart Week – dedicated to educating people about prevention of heart disease.

Member of the conference organising team Area Cardiovascular Disease Coordinator Jane Kerr said the event is designed to educate clinicians across numerous disciplines of heart care.

“This conference will bring together people who deal with every step in the pathway of care for heart patients from the NSW Ambulance service, whose officers take the very first call for help to cardiac rehabilitation services, through to those supporting the patient’s return to an active and fulfilling lifestyle,” Ms Kerr said.

“The conference will also hear an overview about the experience of heart disease for women and what the evidence shows clearly is that it is a different experience to that of men.”

Ms Kerr said the conference is designed to reach all clinicians interested in cardiology who practice in a rural setting.

Participants in the conference will include specialist cardiologists, researcher/general practitioners, ambulance staff, nursing staff and allied health.

The Diversity in Rural Cardiology conference will be held tomorrow (Thursday 8 May) at the School of Rural Medicine, UNE.

Media are invited to attend the conference for interviews/ footage and photographs during the morning tea break at 10.45am.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767