Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE) has launched a new national clinical guide designed to strengthen cardiac rehabilitation and improve long-term outcomes for people living with cardiovascular disease. Published on World Heart Day, 29 September 2026, the guide gives healthcare teams a practical framework for delivering consistent, person-centred services nationwide.
The HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide supports the implementation of the HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation, launched in 2023. It was developed by the Integrated Care Programme for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Disease, the National Heart Office, the National Institute for Prevention and Cardiovascular Health, and patient experts.
HSE cardiac rehabilitation guide aims to improve access
Cardiac rehabilitation is a structured, multidisciplinary programme that helps people recover after cardiac events while reducing the risk of further complications. The new guide is intended for healthcare professionals working across acute hospitals and community care settings.
It promotes flexible delivery through:
- In-person cardiac rehabilitation programmes
- Virtual services for people unable to attend on site
- Hybrid care combining face-to-face and online support
- Self-management and behaviour-change interventions
- Ongoing support for physical, psychological and lifestyle needs
According to the HSE, this approach is intended to help ensure that people can access high-quality rehabilitation regardless of where they live in Ireland.
Person-centred care and specialist teams
The guide highlights the importance of interdisciplinary care. Cardiac rehabilitation teams may include cardiovascular nurses, physiotherapists, dietitians, clinical psychologists and cardiologists, whose combined expertise addresses medical recovery, exercise, nutrition and emotional wellbeing.
The programme also aims to give patients and their families the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about heart health. A video released alongside the guide explains how cardiac rehabilitation works and shows its impact on patients.
Patient experience highlights value of cardiac rehabilitation
Peadar O’Ceallaigh, a Galway patient who recently began cardiac rehabilitation through the Galway City Hub, described the programme as positive and praised the team’s attentiveness and expertise. He said concerns raised during a session led to further medical checks and may have protected his life.
The Galway City Hub has already implemented recommendations from the new guide, offering an example of how the national framework can translate into local clinical practice.
The HSE says the guide aligns with Ireland’s national health priorities, the European Union’s Safe Hearts Plan and the World Heart Federation’s roadmap for cardiac rehabilitation. It follows the wider work of the HSE, including national chronic disease management and prevention initiatives.
What the new HSE guide means for patients
The publication does not replace clinical assessment or guarantee immediate access to a programme. Instead, it provides healthcare teams with evidence-based guidance for developing and delivering integrated services. Patients recovering from a cardiac event should discuss eligibility and referral options with their healthcare professional.
The full HSE Cardiac Rehabilitation Clinical Action Guide is available for healthcare professionals. The HSE Model of Care for Integrated Cardiac Rehabilitation is also available through Lenus.
Key takeaway
The HSE cardiac rehabilitation guide marks an important step towards more consistent, flexible and equitable heart care in Ireland. By combining specialist teamwork, patient education and in-person, virtual and hybrid services, it aims to help more people recover confidently and protect their long-term cardiovascular health.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
