The second round of public consultation on the CoHD Standards has now closed. Publication of the First Edition of the CoHD Standards is anticipated in mid 2023.

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 Australian National Standards of Care for Childhood-onset Heart Disease Steering Committee acknowledges the Traditional Owners across this land and pays respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise the strength, resilience and capacity of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and acknowledge their connection to culture, land and sea.

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We write these CoHD Standards with deep respect and concern for the land and the adverse impact of climate change, and for the lives and wellbeing of the patients and families, now and in the future, whose care is the focus of this document.