Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Excellence Initiative

We’re proud to announce that the Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Excellence Initiative – a joint effort between ACRA and SOLVE-CHD – has officially been approved and is now open for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from cardiac rehabilitation (CR) programs across Australia.

This national initiative aims to recognise, celebrate, and promote excellence in cardiac rehabilitation, driving improvements in quality, consistency, and visibility across services. It aligns with ACRA’s strategic priorities and builds on the momentum of two major national efforts:

    • The Australian Cardiac Rehabilitation Quality Indicators
    • The Clinician Certification Initiative (launched in August 2024)

Our Vision

To strengthen cardiac rehabilitation services nationwide by recognising high-quality programs, supporting those on an upward trajectory, and inspiring continuous improvement.

Key Focus Areas

This initiative targets three priority areas identified by the national coordinating group:

1. Clinician Certification – programs with certified CR clinicians
2. Data Collection & Systems – improved access to and use of local and national CR data
3. Program Excellence Recognition – celebrating programs that meet agreed Australian quality standards

What's Involved

  • CR programs are invited to submit an Expression of Interest via our online form
  • Eligible programs will be recognised for meeting national quality standards, with the first awards presented at the 2026 ACRA ASM
  • Selected exemplar programs will be featured in national case studies, highlighting excellence in diverse settings – including rural, remote, Indigenous, and digital models of care
  • Ongoing support will be provided to help programs enhance their quality and achieve recognition in future rounds

Benefits of Recognition

  • National visibility through ACRA and SOLVE-CHD communications
  • A digital Program Excellence badge for use on program materials and websites
  • Opportunities to contribute to national cardiac rehabilitation quality improvement efforts
  • Case study promotion and conference recognition

FAQs

Have more questions? Check out these Frequently Asked Questions or contact us at solve-chd.info@sydney.edu.au

Programs Recognised for Excellence

2026
  • Fiona Stanley Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Westmead Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Victorian Heart Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Bendigo Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Bowral and District Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Brisbane South Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Alfred Health – Caulfield Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Grampians Health Ballarat Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Bayside Health Service, Redland Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Better Care in the Community – Port Pirie Regional Health Service Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Grampians Health Horsham Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Mater Private Hospital Townsville Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Nepean Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Prince of Wales Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Randwick
  • St John of God Berwick Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Bass Coast Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Armidale Community Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Service
  • Ipswich Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Service
  • Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Ramsay Health Plus – Hollywood Private Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • The Sutherland Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Fairfield Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Central Coast Local Health District (CCLHD) Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Cairns Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Bellarine Community Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Northern Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • John Hunter Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Port Macquarie Community Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • St Vincent’s Private Hospital Northside Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Royal Melbourne Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Hampstead Rehabilitation Centre / Royal Adelaide Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Bathurst Health Service Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Epworth Camberwell Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Gladstone Hospital Community Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • The Queen Elizabeth Hospital Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Flinders Medical Centre Cardiac Rehabilitation Service
  • Cabrini Hospital Malvern Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Colac Area Health Cardiac Rehabilitation Program
  • Alpine Shire Cardiac Rehabilitation Program

Get Involved Today

EOIs are currently closed.

Please keep an eye out for future rounds by following our socials or subscribing to our newsletter below.

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Webinar: ACRA Cardiac Rehabilitation Program Excellence Initiative

On 9th September, ACRA hosted a national webinar on the CR Program Excellence Initiative where we went through the EOI process together, explained the specific targets for each criteria, and answered many great questions. You can view the entire webinar below.