PATIENTS recovering from heart issues now have access to a new exercise treadmill, thanks to a fellow patient.
David Ireland said he underwent a cardiac rehabilitation program after suffering his own heart attack and saw the need for a new treadmill.
“The team of volunteers and staff at the cardiac rehabilitation program do a great job and I was pleased to be able to help out with this donation,” Mr Ireland said.
He donated funds for the treadmill to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, which arranged the purchase of the machine.
Cairns Hospital Heart Health Team Senior Physiotherapist Kelli Layton said the treadmill was used at every cardiac rehab and pulmonary rehab session by all participants who attend either of those programs at Cairns North Community Health Centre.
“It allows them to work on building their cardiovascular fitness in a safe and monitored environment with health care professionals on hand to offer guidance and support as they recover and improve,” Mrs Layton said.
“Cardiac rehab provides care to people who have had heart attacks, stents, SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection) and any type of open-heart surgery. Its main aim is to help restore people’s physical, psychological and social wellbeing after a cardiac event and address any risk factors so they can get back to life. Pulmonary rehab provides a similar support program for people living with respiratory conditions such as COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and ILD (Interstitial Lung Disease). The programs provide physical reconditioning in the form of exercise alongside education to help people learn about their health conditions and how to optimally manage them going forward,” Mrs Layton said.
The treadmill also may be used by community health physiotherapists when providing care to patients attending the centre after a hospital stay –this might be following a stroke or orthopedic surgery.
“This new piece of equipment has been an essential and much welcomed addition to our service allowing us to optimise all participants care.”
Foundation Fundraising and Marketing Manager Glenys Duncombe said the Irelands had always been a very community-spirited family.
“While it’s not good that David had a heart attack, the great thing is he’s been inspired to make a difference to others. We see this all the time and it’s part of what makes our community great,” Ms Duncombe said.
