Cardiology Program
The Niagara Health System is expanding cardiology services with the opening of two new clinics - Cardiac Health & Rehabilitation Program and Heart Function Clinic. These outpatient clinics enhance already existing services such as cardiac diagnostic services, Pacemaker Clinics and Intensive Care Units.
Cardiac Health & Rehabilitation Program
This regional program is located at three locations - Greater Niagara General Site in Niagara Falls, Ontario Street Site in St. Catharines and Welland Hospital Site, as well as YMCA’s in these three cities. Patients who have recently experienced some kind of cardiac event like a heart attack, angioplasty, are awaiting heart surgery or have angina, congestive hear failure or cardiomyopathy can access the program through a physician referral. The program offers a variety of cardiovascular rehabilitation and risk reduction services such as; supervised exercise programs, nutrition counselling, stress management, smoking cessation and health teaching in both group and individual forum.
Upon receipt of the referral, the client is contacted to arrange their intake (assessment) appointment. At that time, the client/family receives information about cardiovascular rehabilitation and risk reduction along with a detailed understanding of the program services. The client/family will then choose and be booked into any or all of the services available to them. The rehabilitation program runs for up to six months for clients, depending on the services they require. At the time of program discharge, the desire is for clients to have started to establish or have established a comfortable healthy lifestyle which they will be able to continue in the community.
All bookings are made out of the St. Catharines office at 905-641-2542, fax: 905-682-3622. A copy of our referral form can be requested from the above contact number.
Heart Function Clinic
The Heart Function Clinic at St. Catharines General Site helps patients diagnosed with congestive heart failure by closely monitoring their condition and managing their symptoms. The goal is to improve quality of life. A multi-disciplinary team of health-care practitioners works together to provide care to patients in a variety of areas, including; assessment, monitoring and treatment; pharmacological management; patient and caregiver education in such areas as medication, exercise, smoking cessation, and dietary education. Ongoing monitoring of the patient’s condition may take place over the course of several months, or as necessary. Contact 905-378-4647 ext. 46501. Physician referral is required.