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Heart Failure Symptom & Early Review Helpline

A specialist Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner can provide support to patients after they leave hospital. Patients or their support person can call for advice and support if they have concerns about their symptoms.

If you are experiencing chest pain or a medical emergency, please call 000 immediately.

Who we care for

The Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner can be contacted through the Heart Failure Symptom and Early Review Helpline. The Helpline is available to cardiac patients after they leave hospital. You may be referred to the Heart Failure Clinic for symptoms.

When to call the Heart Failure Helpline:

  • Worsening shortness of breath
  • Increased swelling in your ankles or legs
  • Difficulty breathing when lying flat
  • Weight gain of 2kg or more over the past 2 days
  • Increased dizziness, especially when standing up

What you can expect

When you call, the nurse will ask about your symptoms and some general questions. They may offer:

  • advice and support over the phone
  • an appointment at the Heart Failure Clinic for an early review
  • a referral to Grampians Health at Home
  • a request to see your GP
  • advice to attend the Emergency Department (ED)

If you are advised to see your GP or go to the ED, the Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner will notify them before your arrival.

Resources for patients and carers

Amount of fluid in common food and drinks
(PDF 878.3KB) picture_as_pdf
Austin Health self-monitoring diary
(PDF 542.7KB) picture_as_pdf
Cardiac Counselling Clinic
link
Heart Foundation - Living well with heart failure booklet
link
8 signs and symptoms of heart failure
(PDF 136.5KB) picture_as_pdf
Heartbeat Ballarat
link

Resources for health professionals

Alfred heart failure patient diary
(PDF 1.1MB) picture_as_pdf
Heart failure action plan handout
link
Heart failure medication tritration plan
link
Seven steps to supporting emotional adjustment
link

Contacts

If the Heart Failure Nurse Practitioner is with another patient, please leave a message. You will usually be called back within two hours. 

call 0447 906 422

Service Hours

    Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9:00am - 4:00pm

    Care Categories

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    Heart Failure Symptom & Early Review Helpline