Improving outcomes for cardiac patients in the Midland region
Cardiovascular disease (heart, stroke and blood vessel disease) is the leading cause of death in New Zealand. The World Health Organisation estimates that 17 million people around the world died from cardiovascular disease in 2008. This number is expected to increase to 23 million by 2030 (Source: http://www.hri.org.nz/about-heart-disease/facts-about-heart-disease).
The Midland Cardiac Clinical Network provides a regional oversight of cardiac services activity, which contributes to longer-term planning for cardiac services in the Midland region.
The network is made up of senior managers, clinical specialists from cardiology services, cardio-thoracic surgical services and primary care representatives from the five Midland District Health Boards. It has a focus on improving coordination and responsiveness of services provided to those requiring cardiac services in the Midland region. The network does this by:
- promoting clinical best practice;
- improving service access and timeliness;
- promoting equitable outcomes; and
- providing performance benchmarking.
To achieve its vision of a population with well managed risk factors and timely access to appropriate prevention and intervention, the Midland Cardiac Clinical Network focuses on the following key areas:
- Ischaemic heart disease
- Heart failure
- Atrial fibrillation
- Cardiac surgery
- Māori health equity
- Cardiac workforce sustainability
You can find out more about the Midland Cardiac Clinical Network’s work by viewing our 2018/2019 Workplan.