Heart Function Clinic - Closed
We'd like to thank Dr. Phil Wattam. Mary Stever, RN and Jackie Rea for their many years of hard work and dedication to the care of hearts in our community.
Wishing Dr. Wattam and Mary Stever a very happy retirement as they have more time to spend with their families and pursuing their interests.
Overview
It is estimated that there are about 500,000 Canadians living with heart failure.
Heart failure is a common condition that develops after the heart becomes weakened. The heart is not able to pump blood as well as it should to supply needed oxygen and nutrients to the body. The weakened pumping action can cause a back-up of fluid (congestion) in the lungs and other parts of the body, leading to what is otherwise known as congestive heart failure (CHF).
Heart failure does not happen overnight – it is a progressive disease. Patients with early stage heart failure can receive treatment and make lifestyle changes that will slow the progression of the disease. With changes, patients may be able to eliminate some symptoms and improve the quality and length of their lives.
Goals
Heart Function program provides ongoing outpatient care for patients who have heart failure or are at high risk for heart failure. Goals are to increase the patient understanding and empowerment to optimize medical treatments, improve/maintain quality of life, and reduce Emergency Department visits and hospital admissions for acute heart failure. This program covers inpatient reviews for Quinte Health Care Picton site.
Services
Services include ongoing care, consultation, diagnostic testing, medication monitoring/adjustments and education/counseling to heart failure clients and those at high risk for heart failure.
- Initial assessment and ongoing evaluation/treatment of condition
- Optimization of heart failure care including medication use and dose adjustments
- Assistance with managing medication and therapies for heart failure treatment
- Ongoing individualized patient and family education about the disease process, diet, lifestyle, self-monitoring, and self-assessment
- Health teaching is emphasized to enable patients to gain confidence and learn skills to effectively self- manage heart failure
- Assist patients to make healthy lifestyle choices to improve quality of life
- Assist patients to learn how to carefully monitor weight and symptoms
- Ongoing support through follow-up visits and telephone monitoring
- Advanced care Planning
- Improved coordination of care
Links of Interest:
Health Information
Heart Failure Society of America
Canadian Heart Failure Network
Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario
Heart Failure Matters
Financial Assistance and Services
Trillium Drug Program 1-800-575-5386
Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) 1-888-387-5559
Community Care for Seniors 613-476-7493
PhilipsLifeline - Medical Alert Services 1-800-543-3546
SMILE Program - Seniors Managing Independent Living Easily 1-888-866-6647
Fitness and Rehabilitation
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines
PEACH - Cardiac Rehab
L-R Mary Stever, Dr. Phil Wattam, Jackie Rae
Contact Information: Clinic Closed