New Action Plan to support children with heart disease

The Federal Coalition Government has today pledged its support for the development of a National Childhood Heart Disease Action Plan, to help save the lives and improve the quality of care for Australian children living with congenital/childhood heart disease.

The action plan will be managed by HeartKids, the peak body for childhood heart disease in Australia. It will include recommendations for a comprehensive model of care, capacity building and improved access to service provision.

As part of today’s announcement, HeartKids will receive $150,000 in federal funding to develop the action plan.

Joining Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt and representatives of HeartKids at the launch of the action plan at Parliament House this morning, Assistant Minister for Children and Families, Dr David Gillespie said the occasion represented an important step forward in the battle against heart disease.

“Supporting programs which improve health outcomes for Australian children is a priority of the Federal Coalition Government, and I congratulate HeartKids for their passion, hard work and advocacy in developing this groundbreaking initiative” Dr Gillespie said.

“Up to eight babies are born with a heart disease every day in Australia, and it’s a sad reality that four lose their lives every week. It’s crucial that we find effective ways to tackle this chronic condition which affects tens of thousands of Australians, and that’s what the National Childhood Heart Disease Action Plan represents.”

Adding to the significance of the occasion, February 14 is also HeartKids Sweetheart Day, a national awareness campaign which raises funds for children, teenagers and adults with heart disease. More information can be found at www.sweetheartday.org.au