About heart failure support services

Queensland Heart Failure Support Services

Queensland has 23 specialised Heart Failure Support Services (HFSS). These teams are comprised of nurses with specialist medical support. Some services also have dedicated pharmacists, physiotherapists, exercise physiologists, occupational therapists, dietitians, and social workers. Services identify patients admitted to hospital as well as receiving outpatient referrals.  The teams assist patients with heart failure (HF) to adhere to treatment and manage symptoms.  The duration of support is highly variable.

Services offered may include:

  1. Inpatient education and follow-up in the community via a combination of home visits, telephone, videoconferencing, clinics, group exercise and education programs
  2. GPs and medical specialist liaison
  3. Patient and carer education and self-management strategies including: fluid monitoring, dietary advice, exercise program, medication review and social psychological support.

Clinical Standard for Heart Failure Support Services

The objective of the standard for Heart Failure Support Services is to ensure that all patients with symptomatic heart failure have access to appropriate specialist review and management.

For more information see the Clinical Standard for Heart Failure Support Services (PDF, 371kB)

Statewide Coordination

Queensland has a Statewide steering committee and designated coordinator that report to the Cardiac Clinical Network.

The aim of statewide coordination purpose is to support high standards of care by developing and maintaining systems of evaluation; service improvement initiatives; workforce training and education; service planning and development and facilitating research.

Statewide Heart Failure Services Coordinator
Annabel Hickey 
Email: qldheartfailure@health.qld.gov.au
Phone: +61 7 3139 5031
Statewide Heart Failure Services
The Prince Charles Hospital
Rode Road
CHERMSIDE  QLD  4032

Last updated: 25 May 2021