Galway has emerged as a driving force behind Ireland’s internationally recognised cardiac rehabilitation programme after the country was selected as one of just five worldwide to feature in a landmark World Heart Federation (WHF ) roadmap.
Ireland is the only European nation chosen as a case study in the forthcoming WHF Roadmap on Cardiac Rehabilitation, recognising the country’s innovative and integrated approach to helping people recover from heart disease. The roadmap, the first ever produced by the federation to focus exclusively on cardiac rehabilitation, will serve as a guide for policymakers and health services around the world.
Galway has played a central role in that success, with clinicians from Galway University Hospitals leading a national demonstration project that is already transforming services across the west.
Ireland’s featured case study, Leveraging Policy to Deliver Cardiovascular Health Programmes in an Integrated Way, highlights how cardiac rehabilitation has become a key element of the National Framework for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease. The framework promotes a joined-up approach to healthcare, spanning prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation.
Among the achievements recognised by the World Heart Federation are the rollout of Chronic Disease Hubs, the publication of the National Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation in 2023, completion of a nationwide needs analysis in 2024, and the introduction of the HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide in 2025.
Model of Care
A major milestone was the allocation of more than €1 million through the National Service Plan to implement the new Model of Care across HSE West and North West.
That investment is already delivering tangible benefits for patients in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, who now have access to a complete multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation team for the first time. The expanded service includes specialist nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians and psychology support, ensuring patients receive comprehensive care throughout their recovery.
Leading the national demonstration project is Dr Susan Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist at Galway University Hospitals and Galway City Integrated Care Hub.
She described Ireland’s inclusion in the World Heart Federation roadmap as a major endorsement of the progress being made nationally.
“Ireland’s inclusion in the World Heart Federation Roadmap on Cardiac Rehabilitation as one of only five international case studies is a significant endorsement of the progress being made in cardiac rehabilitation nationally,” she said.
“It reflects the commitment of patients, clinicians, managers and policymakers working together to strengthen cardiac rehabilitation services and deliver an integrated, person-centred Model of Care. It is great to see this incredible international recognition. Ireland is leading the way in the delivery of cardiac rehabilitation and this demonstrates that investment in cardiac rehabilitation is delivering real benefits for patients.”
Lifechanging
For Moycullen man Gerard Carr, the benefits have been life-changing.
After suffering a heart attack in January, he recently completed the 12-week Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme at Knocknacarra Community Centre and praised both the clinical expertise and peer support that helped him regain his confidence.
“The programme was excellent, well organised, well-structured and delivered by a brilliant team,” he said.
“After my heart attack in January, I thought I already had a good diet and exercise routine, but the education aspect of the programme taught me so much that I simply didn’t know before.
“What really stood out was the support from both the staff and the other participants. Being alongside people who had gone through similar experiences meant you never felt alone in your recovery. Completing the programme has given me greater confidence, knowledge and motivation.”
Professor Ken McDonald, Clinical Co-Lead of the National Heart Office, congratulated Dr Connolly and the Galway-led team on achieving international recognition.
He said cardiac rehabilitation is proven to reduce illness, hospital admissions and mortality while significantly improving patients’ quality of life.
“The National Heart Office is committed to supporting the delivery of the end-to-end integrated Model of Care for Cardiac Rehabilitation for the eligible population and advocating for the resources required to address existing gaps in service provision,” he said.
“Achievements such as this highlight the excellence, innovation and dedication of our healthcare professionals and reinforce the importance of continued investment in cardiac rehabilitation services for patients nationwide.”
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill also welcomed the World Heart Federation recognition, describing it as evidence of Ireland’s commitment to supporting patients beyond hospital treatment.
She said the recognition reflected the progress made in developing integrated cardiovascular services, expanding access through Chronic Disease Hubs and introducing a new national model of care that gives patients greater choice over how and where they receive rehabilitation.
For Galway, the international recognition is more than an accolade. It confirms the region’s role at the forefront of delivering a modern, integrated cardiac rehabilitation service that is improving outcomes locally while providing a model that will help shape cardiovascular care around the world.
