North Bay gets its first funded Cardiac Rehab Program
New program brings life-saving care to community members living with heart disease
North Bay Cardiology — in partnership with the Nipissing Wellness Ontario Health Team (NWOHT), University Health Network (UHN), Canadore College, Nipissing University, YMCA of Northeastern Ontario, and Canadian Shield Health Services — has launched the first comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program in North Bay, ON, aimed at improving health outcomes for people living with heart disease.
A $100,000 investment from NWOHT accelerated the program’s launch. The patient-centred program is running as a pilot for the next 20 weeks, with plans to expand when additional funding is secured. To remove barriers to care, patients will access all services in this program for free.
Cardiac rehabilitation is a key component of best practice for patients living with cardiac disease. However, despite the recognition of the value rehabilitation brings to patients and the healthcare system, there is a marked gap in equitable access to publicly funded cardiac rehabilitation across the province.
Ensuring access to rehabilitation services is critical to help people recover fully from a heart event or procedure. Through exercise, education, and counselling, cardiac rehab programs have demonstrated clear benefits for patients, providers, and the health system, including better health outcomes, lower risks of complications, and reduced healthcare utilization.
The North Bay Cardiac Rehab program meets national best-practice guidelines and is modeled on the comprehensive approach to care delivered at UHN’s Toronto Rehab, recognized for its excellence in cardiovascular rehabilitation and whole-person care.
With sustainable funding and a streamlined referral process, the program will offer patients timely access to 16 weeks of specialized rehabilitative care, leading to improved health outcomes and potential savings of over $500,000 annually for the local health system.
Key features of the cardiac rehab program include:
· Personalized, safe, and effective exercise prescriptions
· Supervised exercise classes
· Education sessions led by registered healthcare professionals
· Nutrition workshops and counselling by a registered dietitian
· Access to social work, mental health support services, and community programs
· 16-week membership to the YMCA and a partner rate membership for 6 months post-program
