Work on the Australian National Standards of Care for Childhood-onset Heart Disease (CoHD Standards) began in 2020 and is the first prioritised key focus area in the National Strategic Action Plan for Childhood Heart Disease launched by Minister Greg Hunt at Parliament House, Canberra (Feb 2019). This was the culmination of a 10-year process of joint professional, family engagement and advocacy facilitated through HeartKids Ltd. The CoHD Standards offer an opportunity to inform the healthcare requirements for CoHD Services and enable all Australian patients, families and carers affected by CoHD to live their best and healthiest lives.
Development of the CoHD Standards has been led by a Steering Committee with representatives from cardiology, cardiac surgery, general paediatrics, adult congenital heart disease (ACHD), nursing, psychology, and importantly parents and patients. Content has been drafted by twelve working groups incorporating over 130 memberships from across Australia, including a range of interdisciplinary health experts and patients and families of diverse cultural backgrounds and geographical locations.
The first draft of the CoHD Standards was published for public consultation in October 2022. This feedback, along with ongoing input from the Steering Committee and Working Groups, has been incorporated into the second draft. The second round of stakeholder input and public consultation is now open. Thank you for your interest and we look forward to hearing your views.
Review the CoHD Standards Second Draft