18th March 2025

Meet Irene Murphy - Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme Coordinator

Irene Murphy's career in nursing and cardiac rehabilitation began when she qualified as a nurse in October 2002 from Cork University Hospital. Following a brief stint working in Ireland, Irene’s career took her to Scotland, where she worked in a rehabilitation hospital, focusing on cardiac rehab, neurology, orthopaedics, and strokes. It was during this time, that she decided to focus on cardiology nursing and cardiac rehabilitation.

After a year in Australia, Irene returned to Ireland and gained valuable experience in other hospitals while she undertook a post-graduate degree in cardiology nursing with RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences and Beaumont Hospital. In 2018, Irene took on the role of cardiac rehabilitation coordinator at Mater Private Network, and she was instrumental in building the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme.

Irene Murphy is wearing a purple top and is sitting in front of a computer. She is looking at the screen a typing on a keyboard.

Building the Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme

When Irene joined Mater Private Cork, she played a crucial role in expanding the programme which now includes multiple phases – from one to four - each designed to provide comprehensive care and support to patients who have undergone treatment for a cardiac event.

Irene's role involves extensive patient education, support and exercise training with exercise component prescribed by physiotherapist. There is close collaboration with the multidisciplinary team including nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians, pharmacists, cardiologists and psychotherapist. In developing the programme, Irene and the team ensured it adhered to national guidelines for cardiac rehabilitation to enable them to provide the best possible care to patients.

A Day in the Life of a Cardiac Rehabilitation Coordinator

A typical day for Irene involves assessing patients who have undergone procedures, reviewing their symptoms, medications, and risk factors. She provides education, covering chronic disease management, recovery, and lifestyle changes. Follow-up calls and patient visits are an essential part of her role, ensuring that all patients are recovering well and are comfortable and engaging with their rehabilitation plans.

Irene also runs exercise and education classes twice a week, where patients undergo assessments and receive personalised exercise programmes. Additionally, she manages a programme for patients who may not be able to participate in traditional rehabilitation programmes, focusing on balance and flexibility, whilst also improving exercise tolerance.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme

The cardiac rehabilitation programme at Mater Private Network is divided into four phases:

Phase 1: Initial patient assessment and education.
Phase 2: Follow-up calls or clinic visits to monitor recovery.
Phase 3: A six-week exercise and education programme, which is the core of the rehabilitation process.
Phase 4: A maintenance programme with community support to ensure long-term health benefits.

The programme includes exercise and education on disease management, diet, smoking cessation, medication management, stress management, and mindfulness. Peer support is a significant component, with patients benefiting from shared experiences and mutual encouragement.

Irne Murphy is looking at a presentation on her computer screen. The presentation is in white and red. It has headings such as coronary artery disease, angina, and heart attack.

What Are the Benefits for Patients?

The cardiac rehabilitation programme has shown remarkable benefits for patients. Irene emphasises the importance of committing to the six-week programme, highlighting the positive outcomes and long-term benefits. Patients who participate in the programme experience significant improvements in their mobility, confidence, and overall health.

The programme's holistic approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of recovery. Peer support plays an important role, with patients forming bonds and supporting each other through their recovery journey.

The Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme team’s dedication and the structured approach have made a significant impact on patients' lives. By prioritising self-care and actively managing their disease, patients can achieve better health outcomes and enjoy a higher quality of life. The programme not only helps patients recover from cardiac events but also equips them with the tools and knowledge to maintain their heart health in the long term.

Cardiac Rehabilitation Programme

A comprehensive outpatient programme designed to enhance the cardiovascular health of patients recovering from heart-related illnesses or procedures.

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