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Hospital has a heart for innovation
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Hospitals 28 September 2023

Hospital has a heart for innovation

Cardiovascular disease is the world’s biggest killer. But did you know that around 80 per cent of premature deaths from cardiovascular disease can be prevented?

That’s the message this World Heart Day, 29 September 2023.

Australia took a huge step forward in the treatment and research of heart health, with the opening of the $577 million Victorian Heart Hospital in February 2023.

The Monash Health facility, co-located on Monash University’s Clayton campus is Australia’s first standalone heart hospital.

Patients can now access world-class cardiac care.

‘This hospital is a game-changer, and will truly be the heart of cardiac care and research in Australia and the Southern Hemisphere,’ says Professor Stephen Nicholls, Program Director of the Victorian Heart Hospital and Director of the Monash Victorian Heart Institute.

'A facility dedicated to the heart'

Ebony Gilbert was one of the hospital’s first patients. She came in for an ultrasound as part of her regular monitoring.

‘I was born with some issues with my heart,’ Ebony explains. ‘I came here for a check-up, just to see how things are going.

‘When you come into a heart hospital, you take comfort in knowing you will get properly checked out, by the very best.’

‘It feels great to know that we have a facility dedicated to the heart, to help people like myself. To know you have somewhere to go where you can get the help and support that you need. It’s fantastic.’

Ebony Gilbert, Victorian Heart Hospital patient
A patient wearing a mask sitting on a bed with a medical professional at the Victorian Heart Hospital

Ebony pictured inside one of the Victorian Heart Hospital’s diagnostic imaging rooms. Image: Victorian Heart Hospital and Monash Health

Now open, each year the Victorian Heart Hospital will perform around:

280,000

280,000

EMERGENCY PATIENT ASSESSMENTS

10,000

10,000

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIAC CATHETERISATION PROCEDURES

2,000

2,000

HEART SURGERIES

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The cardiology team at Goulburn Valley Health standing and smiling while holding a heart model.

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Designed for wellbeing

The Victorian Heart Hospital was recently named winner of the 2023 INDE.Award for best design in the Health and Wellbeing Space.

Architects Conrad Gargett and Wardle Australia say the hospital’s design focused on the patient journey – from admission to discharge.

‘The architecture, interiors, facility and clinical planning consider the impact of the built environment on the health and wellness of users and was guided by clinical and patient voices.

‘The design contributes to the wellbeing of all and aids patient recovery through its spatial qualities, amenity and materiality. The design provides spaces clinical in function and non-clinical in environment.’

INDE Awards

Ebony highlighted how the hospital’s unique and patient-focused design made a difference to her visit.

‘It’s such a lovely, interesting building. It feels great to be one of the first patients to see it,’ Ebony says.

Ebony explains, ‘I’ve had a great experience today. It’s a very nice building, a great new space. There was good parking, it was easy to find my way here.’

Learn more about the Victorian Heart Hospital on our dedicated project page.

Improving heart health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as many as 80 per cent of all heart attacks and strokes are preventable.

The majority of deaths due to cardiovascular disease are caused by risk factors such as: 

  • high blood pressure
  • high cholesterol
  • obesity
  • diabetes.

These WHO recommends preventative measures including:

  • keeping an eye on blood pressure and cholesterol and blood sugar levels
  • a healthy diet
  • regular exercise
  • avoiding smoking and vaping.

Learn more about managing your health on the Better Health website.

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Last updated: 28 September 2023