Victoria’s only Greek-language cardiac rehabilitation service, the Greek Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (GCRP), celebrated 20 years of operation with an event marking the milestone anniversary this week in Melbourne.
Over 100 patients, community members, healthcare professionals, and representatives from aligned organizations attended the event on Thursday at the Treacy Centre in Parkville.
Since its launch by Pronia, Heartbeat Victoria, and the Royal Melbourne Hospital, the GCRP has supported the long-term recovery of Greek-speaking cardiac patients.
“Since 2004, this has been the only Greek-language cardiac rehabilitation program in Victoria,” said Pronia’s CEO, Sylvia Hadjiantoniou. “With over 1,000 participants benefiting from the program over the past 20 years, it continues to make a life-changing impact on our community.”
The program provides culturally and linguistically tailored sessions to participants every week, featuring 45 minutes of physical exercise followed by an educational segment delivered by health professionals, nurses, or guest speakers on improving heart health after a cardiac event.
“There are over 100 cardiac rehabilitation programs in Victoria, but it’s crucial to provide programs that align with the cultural and linguistic needs of patients,” said Kathryn Kelly, Clinical Nurse Consultant at the RMH and a key figure in the program since its inception.
Professor James Tatoulis, cardiothoracic surgeon and the program’s patron, spoke at the event about medical advancements over the past 30 years in heart health that have reduced the need for invasive surgeries.
The event concluded with a dance fitness performance by Inspirit Dance Group, followed by lunch.
