A recent heart screen program delivered by Shane Warne Legacy in partnership with Novartis Australia, SiSu Health and Wesfarmers has highlighted the important role of accessible heart screening programs in rural and regional areas of Australia.
Cardiovascular disease deaths are more than 50 per cent higher in very remote areas of Australia and 33 per cent higher in remote areas, which is why the partnership focussed on delivering pharmacist-led heart health testing in Mallee (VIC) and Gilmore (NSW) communities with the support Federal Members of Parliament, Ms Fiona Phillips MP, the Member for Gilmore and Dr Anne Webster MP, the Member for Mallee.
Helen Nolan CEO of the Shane Warne Legacy was pleased with the result and expressed her gratitude to the community for taking the time to come out and take a heart screen, “We know Shane would be so proud of the awareness we are bringing to communities, particularly to remote areas where heart disease is much more prevalent. Out of such a tragic event in the passing of Shane, we have discovered a silver lining. We are making a positive difference in people’s lives, and impact is deeply moving for the team at the Legacy and his family. Thanks to Novartis and SiSU Health for supporting this initiative.”
Marco Muscardo, Cardiovascular Therapeutic Area head at Novartis Australia and New Zealand stressed the importance of the initiative for rural and regional communities.
“The results of this program are a clear indication that our rural and regional communities require greater access to healthcare screenings and support. Access to healthcare shouldn’t be dependent on where you live.
“We are proud to be part of this partnership and to have made a positive impact in improving heart health awareness in the Mallee and Gilmore communities. We remain committed to partnering across the political and healthcare eco-system to address heart health in rural and regional communities across Australia.”
