Ireland Recognised for Innovative Cardiac Rehabilitation Efforts in New World Heart Federation Global Roadmap

Ireland’s commitment to cardiac rehabilitation has been recognised by the World Heart Federation (WHF).

The country has been selected as one of only five countries worldwide (and the only one from Europe) to feature as a case study in the upcoming WHF Roadmap on Cardiac Rehabilitation. The recognition reflects Ireland’s innovative and integrated approach to delivering cardiac rehabilitation services and its commitment to improving outcomes for people living with cardiovascular disease.

WHF Roadmaps provide evidence-based solutions to address challenges in the prevention, detection and management of cardiovascular disease and serve as an important resource for policymakers and health agencies worldwide. The forthcoming roadmap is the first to focus specifically on cardiac rehabilitation, making Ireland’s inclusion a notable achievement on the international stage.

This is the first roadmap developed that has focussed on cardiac rehabilitation. Ireland’s case study, entitled “Leveraging Policy to Deliver Cardiovascular Health Programmes in an Integrated Way,” highlights the country’s commitment to cardiac rehabilitation as a critical component of the National Framework for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease. The framework promotes a whole-system approach to chronic disease management, encompassing health promotion, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.

Key achievements highlighted in the case study include:

• Investment in Chronic Disease Hubs, with one hub serving every 150,000 people, ensuring local and accessible care, including cardiac rehabilitation services.
• Development of the National Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation in 2023, which promotes a personalised approach and provides patients with greater choice regarding how, where and when they participate in rehabilitation programmes.
• Completion of a National Cardiac Rehabilitation Needs Analysis in 2024, which identified the need to standardise programme delivery and increase staffing levels nationwide.
• A commitment through the National Service Plan 2025 of more than €1 million in staffing investment to support the implementation of a demonstration project of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Model of Care in HSE West and North West.
• Development of the HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide in 2025, providing practical support and guidance for teams implementing the Model of Care.

As a result of the injection of funding, patients in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon are now benefitting directly and for the first time have access to a full clinical team that includes nurses, dietitians, physiotherapy and psychology.

Gerard Carr from Moycullen, who recently completed the 12-week Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme, praised the support and education provided throughout his recovery. “The programme was excellent, well organised, well-structured and delivered by a brilliant team. After my heart attack in January, I thought I already had a good diet and exercise routine, but the education aspect of the programme taught me so much that I simply didn't know before.

“What really stood out was the support from both the staff and the other participants. Being alongside people who had gone through similar experiences meant you never felt alone in your recovery. Completing the programme has given me greater confidence, knowledge and motivation."

Dr Susan Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist at Galway University Hospitals and Galway City Integrated Care Hub and who is the lead for the national demonstration project in CR said, “Ireland’s inclusion in the World Heart Federation Roadmap on Cardiac Rehabilitation as one of only five international case studies is a significant endorsement of the progress being made in cardiac rehabilitation nationally. It reflects the commitment of patients, clinicians, managers and policymakers working together to strengthen cardiac rehabilitation services and deliver an integrated, person-centred Model of Care. It is great to see this incredible international recognition. Ireland is leading the way in the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation and this demonstrates that investment in cardiac rehabilitation is delivering real benefits for patients.”

Prof Ken McDonald, Clinical Co-Lead, National Heart Office said: “Sincere congratulations to Dr Connolly and the team on their outstanding achievement in representing Ireland on the world stage and for their ongoing commitment to raising the standards of care for cardiac patients across the country. Cardiac rehabilitation is proven to significantly reduce illness, hospital admissions, mortality and to improve quality of life for participants.

“The National Health Office is committed to supporting the delivery of the end-to-end integrated Model of Care for Cardiac Rehabilitation for the eligible population and advocating for the resources required to address existing gaps in service provision. Achievements such as this highlight the excellence, innovation and dedication of our healthcare professionals and reinforce the importance of continued investment in cardiac rehabilitation services for patients nationwide.”

Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, said: "This recognition from the World Heart Federation is a testament to our shared commitment to ensuring that people living with cardiovascular disease receive the support they need, not only during treatment but throughout their recovery journey.

"It reflects the strong progress we have made in building integrated cardiovascular services, from expanding access through Chronic Disease Hubs to introducing a new National model of Care that gives patients greater choice in how and where they receive rehabilitation.”