This incredibly hardworking team is responsible for designing, delivering and evaluating safe and effective exercise interventions for people with chronic conditions across the district.
Ms Ritchie is an accredited exercise physiologist working within the chronic respiratory and heart failure service.
Ms Ritchie has been in the role for three months, supporting respiratory and heart failure clients to exercise in a safe environment, while encouraging them to increase their exercise tolerance as well as improve and help to control their breathlessness and symptom management.
“I assess and evaluate patients on a one-on-one basis and prescribe individualised exercise programs,” Ms Ritchie said.
“This could include home visits or clinic assessments depending on the patient and their needs and goals.”
As part of this work, Ms Ritchie runs a pulmonary rehab exercise program twice a week and helps to develop exercise routines that patients can continue after the program has finished as self-management of their condition.
A highlight of her work is seeing people improve and achieve goals that they didn’t think were possible.
“Even something that seems simple can make a huge difference to a person’s quality of life and ability to undertake everyday activities,” Ms Ritchie said.
“Exercising when you have a chronic condition is often put in the too-hard basket and is unfamiliar and scary, but educating people around things they can do at home, based on their lifestyle and abilities, and seeing people improve and enjoy exercise, is very rewarding.”
Ms Ritchie says her team is a great example of how a multi-disciplinary approach to care can be beneficial for patients.
“It’s been great to work with different health professionals and has highlighted the importance of a multi-disciplinary team and how all these professions can come together to bring the best possible care for the individual,” she said.
“The team is very welcoming and warm and willing to teach and help when needed.
“I love living in Wagga because of the small-town feel; you can make connections from various aspects of your life and feel supported.”
Outside of work, Ms Ritchie teaches reformer pilates and enjoys getting out and about with her two labradors. She also enjoys a visit to one of the many great cafes that Wagga has to offer and visiting family and friends.
Exercise physiology is just one example of allied health. Other allied health services provided in MLHD include physiotherapy, speech pathology and nutrition and dietetics.
MLHD is celebrating Allied Health Professions Day (14 October) by showcasing some of our wonderful allied health workers, including Ms Ritchie.
Here's where to find more information on working with MLHD in Allied Health.
