"Program downsizing"

My submission concerns the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program at Yarra Ranges Health Centre in Lilydale. As a former client who went through the program and is now involved directly with current clients, I was very disappointed to hear the program on a weekly basis has been cut by 50%. Yes, I understand that at times cost-cutting and redirecting hours in Eastern Health across all areas is needed but this decision may have been short-sighted with, in my opinion, little or no consultation regarding staff or clients directly involved.

The bigger picture is that by cutting cardiac client's rehab by half, you may be giving them a message of diminished worth as valued members of the community. From a medical and general health area lets consider a very important issue: less organised rehab time and consultation with trained nurses, physio staff and downgrading of direct general information services may impact on clients' motivation and willingness to keep to the set schedule that has been developed for each client. This, in turn, could possibly reverse the progress that has been attained and maintained.

I'm sure when this decision was made that it is not the possible result you intended. Perhaps on reflection, there could have been other areas of the Eastern Health organisation that could have been looked at. People involved with this wonderful program will be watching with interest as to future decisions directly concerning the Cardiac Rehabilitation Program.

Sincerely yours, unintended result