Specialist heart care close to home

Two new clinics providing specialist cardiology services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have opened in Moreton Bay. 

Known as the Heart Outreach Program for Health Equity (HOPE), the service provides access to trained cardiologists in a familiar and culturally safe environment, instead of a hospital outpatient setting.

The service, which opened earlier this year, is a partnership between Metro Health North and the Moreton Aboriginal Torres Strait Island Community Heath Service (MATSICHS), with clinics at Margate and Caboolture.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, with research showing they are less likely to access mainstream facilities and services that are not culturally appropriate due to access barriers, and fear of discrimination, racism, and cultural exclusion.

Executive Director Metro North Heart and Lung Stream Professor Peter Hopkins says HOPE clinics provide a culturally sensitive environment to help ease anxieties Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people might have when accessing health care.

“We see many patients with general and complex cardiac symptoms and conditions, who have been reluctant or anxious to visit their local hospital for treatment, because they don’t feel comfortable,” Peter explains.

“This reluctance can result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment, which increases risk of further complications and disengagement from health services with increasing time on hospital waitlists."

Patients referred to the service are seen by a cardiac team including a cardiologist, sonographer, and a cardiac scientist. Telehealth access is available if required.

Dr Paul Wiemers (pictured), who attended the University of Queensland Medical School and completed his advanced training in cardiology at The Prince Charles Hospital, works at the Margate clinic one day a week.

“I have really enjoyed getting to know the patients in a more friendly and culturally sensitive environment,” Paul says.

“By being here in Margate, I can develop a positive relationship with each patient and help them on their journey to better health in a timely matter.

“So far, we have seen more than 100 patients between the two clinics.”

The clinic is at 322 Oxley Ave, Margate.

Get in touch

For more information about the HOPE Clinic, phone 3139 4000 (extension 84015) or email HOPEmnhhs@health.qld.gov.au