New guide aims to transform heart health across Ireland
A groundbreaking clinical guide launched today promises to revolutionise cardiac rehabilitation services nationwide. The initiative, unveiled on World Heart Day, offers tailored support for patients recovering from heart conditions.
Source:
HSE — Health Service Executive
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⏱️ 2 min read
A landmark Clinical Action Guide published today by the HSE is set to redefine how cardiac rehabilitation services are delivered across Ireland. Developed in collaboration with leading cardiologists, patient experts and national health programmes, the guide marks a significant step forward in person-centred cardiovascular care. It arrives on World Heart Day 2026, underscoring the HSE’s commitment to reducing the burden of heart disease through proactive and equitable treatment pathways.
The guide, produced by the Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, provides a practical framework for healthcare teams to implement the HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation. It emphasises flexibility in delivery, offering in-person, virtual and hybrid options to suit individual patient needs. By focusing on self-management and behaviour change, the guide empowers patients to take control of their recovery and long-term heart health. Interdisciplinary teams—including nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and psychologists—will collaborate to address medical, lifestyle and psychosocial factors critical to recovery.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Ken McDonald, Consultant Cardiologist and National Clinical Co-Lead, highlighted the guide’s potential to save lives and improve outcomes. "Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of illness and death in Ireland," he said. "This guide provides a roadmap for teams to deliver high-quality rehabilitation, ensuring more patients can access life-saving care regardless of where they live." Patient Peadar O’Ceallaigh from Galway shared his experience, crediting the programme with identifying a critical health concern that could have gone unnoticed. "The team’s vigilance may well have saved my life," he reflected. The guide is now available on the official HSE website for healthcare professionals nationwide.
The guide, produced by the Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, provides a practical framework for healthcare teams to implement the HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation. It emphasises flexibility in delivery, offering in-person, virtual and hybrid options to suit individual patient needs. By focusing on self-management and behaviour change, the guide empowers patients to take control of their recovery and long-term heart health. Interdisciplinary teams—including nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and psychologists—will collaborate to address medical, lifestyle and psychosocial factors critical to recovery.
Speaking at the launch, Professor Ken McDonald, Consultant Cardiologist and National Clinical Co-Lead, highlighted the guide’s potential to save lives and improve outcomes. "Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of illness and death in Ireland," he said. "This guide provides a roadmap for teams to deliver high-quality rehabilitation, ensuring more patients can access life-saving care regardless of where they live." Patient Peadar O’Ceallaigh from Galway shared his experience, crediting the programme with identifying a critical health concern that could have gone unnoticed. "The team’s vigilance may well have saved my life," he reflected. The guide is now available on the official HSE website for healthcare professionals nationwide.
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