PRONIA proudly celebrated the 20th anniversary of its successful Greek Cardiac Rehabilitation Program on Thursday, 19 September at the Treacy Centre, Parkville. This milestone marks two decades of unwavering commitment to supporting Greek-speaking cardiac patients in their recovery and long-term health.

Launched on 9 September 2004, in collaboration with Heartbeat Victoria, the Heart Research Centre, and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the program remains the only Greek-language cardiac rehabilitation service in Australia. It offers participants culturally and linguistically tailored sessions designed to improve their heart health after a cardiac event. Each Thursday morning, an average of 30 participants attend the program’s weekly sessions, which include 45 minutes of physical exercise followed by an educational segment delivered by health professionals, nurses, or guest speakers.

Professor James Tatoulis, an internationally known and distinguished cardiothoracic surgeon and patron of the program, highlighted significant medical advancements over the past 30 years in his address to the event attendees, noting that improved medications have reduced the need for invasive surgeries. He emphasized the importance of ongoing cardiac care in light of these advancements, with the program serving a vital role in the community’s heart health.

Kathryn Kelly, Clinical Nurse Consultant at the Royal Melbourne Hospital and a key figure in the program since its inception, discussed the program’s evolution over time, emphasizing the critical need for culturally sensitive rehabilitation services. She noted, “There are over 100 cardiac rehabilitation programs in Victoria, but it’s crucial to provide programs that align with the cultural and linguistic needs of patients. This program empowers the Greek-speaking community to confidently engage in their recovery.”

For more information about PRONIA’s Greek Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, please contact (03) 9388 9998 or email info@pronia.com.au