Cardiopulmonary Services

Are you living with a cardiac or respiratory condition and want a better quality of life? 

Bass Coast Health (BCH) would like to tell you about our Cardiopulmonary programs. Karen Billman is our Clinical Nurse Specialist who oversees our Cardiopulmonary programs that help people with cardiac and respiratory conditions make the most of their lives. 

BCH provides this service for people aged under 65 (under 50 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) through the Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACC PYP). BCH also provides this service for people aged over 65. 

Our Cardiac Rehabilitation supervised program helps people to recover from a heart event or diagnosis, as well as people with high blood pressure or cholesterol. This service entails an individual assessment and then eight group exercise and eight group education sessions to improve your health and wellbeing, and reduce the risk of future heart problems. Exercise sessions are held at Wonthaggi YMCA and Phillip Island Health Hub. 

Client Don Bruce said the YMCA class was “good value”. 

“You go through a major health incident and then you come here and realise that others have been through the same thing. It makes you feel like you’re not alone,” he said. 

“I came here on a walker and look at me now. The staff just give you so much guidance.” 

Our Pulmonary Rehabilitation program includes eight weeks of supervised exercise sessions and education classes for people with chronic lung conditions. The programs help people understand their condition and how to live and breathe better, and stay out of hospital. The exercise program improves patients’ stamina, strength and endurance. Sessions are at Phillip Island Health Hub and Wonthaggi Hospital. Our Respiratory Health Team offers personal consultations about lung conditions.

Counselling to stop smoking is delivered by our clinical nurse consultants, providing personal advice and assistance tailored to clients’ needs. 

We also have a Pulmonary Support Group for people living with breathing conditions, running from Wonthaggi and Cowes. 

If you’re overweight and aged over 45, you could be at serious risk of diabetes, heart disease and stroke. Our Life! Program will help you learn about healthy behaviours. To take part, phone 5671 3343 or email: karen.billman@basscoasthealth.org.au 

To join these programs, a referral from a doctor or other health professional is preferred but you can refer yourself or a family member. Send referrals to Access@basscoasthealth.org.au or fax 9102 5307 or phone 5671 3333.