A new Outreach Heart Failure Diagnostic Clinic has launched in southwestern New South Wales (NSW), Australia, offering expert cardiac care in rural and remote areas.

Delivered by Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) in collaboration with local General Practices, the clinic aims to serve small communities.

Financed by a partnership between MLHD and the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, the facility offers screenings and assessments for patients at high risk or displaying heart failure symptoms.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said: "Through this clinic, we're able to bring expert cardiac care right into the heart of smaller communities.

"Patients can receive specialist care without the burden of having to travel long distances from home.

"Clinics like these are really important to small communities, and it is hoped that as a result of the care they provide to the community, we will reduce preventable emergency department presentations and hospital admissions."

The clinic aims to provide timely access to diagnostic services, including echocardiography, free of charge.

The positive response from the community has brought the clinic to multiple locations in NSW.

MLHD Integrated Care and Allied Health director Emma Field said: "Our goal is to improve the quality of life for our patients.

"The clinic also gives patients access to diagnostics, including echocardiography, which is an ultrasound of the heart, at no cost to the patient."