The Cardiac Fitness Institute has now closed.
Since the CFI closure was announced in December 2017, LHSC has focused on working with representatives of the CFI’s Patient Advisory Committee to help identify appropriate community-based fitness options for CFI members and to ensure smooth transitions of care.
A number of options have been identified for former CFI patients seeking continued rehabilitation including:
- The Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging
1490 Richmond St N (at Windermere Rd)
519-661-1604
ccaa@uwo.ca
- Advanced Medical Group (AGM)
230 Victoria St
519-873-1700
BenL@lo.advancedmedicalgroup.ca
- MedPoint, CitiPlaza
355 Wellington St
519-432-1919
Those interested in learning more about any of these options are encouraged to contact the facilities directly for cost, hours and services available.
Letter to CFI Patients
(PDF of this letter is available here)
March 22, 2018
Dear CFI Member,
In December 2017, London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) communicated to all Cardiac Fitness Institute (CFI) patients that LHSC would be winding down operations at CFI and directing new post-acute cardiac episode referrals to the Cardiac Rehabilitation and Secondary Prevention Program at St. Joseph’s Health Care London.
With Dr. Larry Patrick retiring effective April 27, 2018, the Cardiac Fitness Institute will formally close on Friday, April 27, 2018. You will be receiving a letter via Canada Post with your specific medical transitional care plan identified by Dr. Patrick. If you have not received your letter by mid-April or if you have questions regarding your medical care you are encouraged to contact the CFI at 519-685-8372 or Dr. Patrick’s office at 519-685-8500 ext. 58315.
From the outset, LHSC committed to work with representatives of the CFI’s Patient Advisory Committee to help with a plan for members to transition to appropriate fitness options in the community. This work has been ongoing over the past several months and I am pleased to share that an arrangement has been reached with Western University’s Canadian Centre for Activity and Aging (CCAA) to facilitate a seamless transition from CFI to CCAA for all members who currently utilize the CFI exercise facilities.
The CCAA will be offering several open house sessions at its facility to help inform those interested of what the CCAA offers for its members and to help answer any questions related to the transition. If you are unable to attend one of the following dates but would like more information you are encouraged to contact the CCAA at 519-661-1604 or ccaa@uwo.ca to set up a private tour.
- March 29 at 9am and 1pm
- April 3, 4 at 9am and 1pm
- April 17, 18, and 19 at 9am and 1pm
- May 22, 23, and 24 at 9am and 1pm
The CCAA is located at 1490 Richmond Street, London ON, N6G 2M3. You can access the CCAA parking lot by entering through the Richmond Street driveway or the entrance west on Windermere Road (the same entrance as the Alzheimer Society London and Middlesex). There is ample free parking available.
In addition to existing exercise programs tailored specifically to individuals with osteoporosis, stroke, and chronic obstructive lung disease, the CCAA will be creating an exercise program tailored specifically to individuals for cardiac rehabilitation. Program leadership from the CCAA will be attending upcoming CFI exercise classes to ensure their new cardiac rehab exercise classes mirror those currently offered at CFI in an effort to make this as smooth as transition as possible. LHSC will be donating all of the CFI exercise equipment (treadmills, exercise bikes, weight training equipment and stress test units) to the CCAA. All remaining donated CFI funds will be transferred to the CCAA to support the costs of the exercise equipment transfer as well as start-up memberships for CFI members. In addition to an initial fitness assessment, members who choose to join the CCAA will be offered an annual stress test.
I am enthusiastic about this opportunity with the CCAA as it represents the commitment of LHSC and CFI patient advisors who have worked together over the last few months to find a positive community alternative for CFI patients. If you are interested I encourage you learn more about the Canadian Centre for Activity & Aging at http://www.uwo.ca/ccaa/.
Sincerely,
Dr. Paul Woods
President and Chief Executive Officer
London Health Sciences Centre
Frequently Asked Questions re: Centre for Activity & Aging
Is the CFI just transferring to the Centre for Activity & Aging (CCAA)?
No. The CFI will close on April 27, 2018. In line with the provincial model of care, CFI patients are encouraged to continue their ongoing fitness regimen in a community-based setting. In collaboration with CFI Patient Advisory Committee representatives, LHSC is pleased to have helped establish the option for CFI members to join the CCAA, which is working to establish new programming to align with what CFI members have experienced.
Is it true that the CFI equipment will be donated to the CCAA?
Yes, LHSC committed from the outset to work towards a strong, community-based fitness option for current CFI members and is pleased to be giving all of the current CFI equipment to the CCAA to help facilitate this.
Is the programming at CCAA temporary or permanent?
Plans regarding the new programming being developed at CCAA are best directed to the CCAA. Those interested in learning more can attend the upcoming CCAA open houses or call ahead to book a private tour (519-661-1603 or ccaa@uwo.ca):
- March 29 at 9am and 1pm
- April 3, 4 at 9am and 1pm
- April 17, 18, and 19 at 9am and 1pm
- May 22, 23, and 24 at 9am and 1pm
How long will memberships at CCAA be funded for CFI members?
All of the donated CFI funds will be provided to the CCAA to cover the costs of moving the equipment and any infrastructure upgrades required at CCAA to accommodate the equipment (i.e. new/additional electrical plugs for machines). The remaining monies will be directed to cover the costs of start-up CCAA memberships for as many CFI members as possible for as long as possible.
How do I sign up to receive this funded membership at the CCAA?
You will need to contact the CCAA who can help you through the process of member registration.
Does the CCAA option include an annual stress test?
Yes. All CCAA members are offered the option of receiving an annual stress test as part of their membership. LHSC will be donating the CFI stress test equipment to the CCAA. Further questions should be directed to the CCAA.
Where is the CCAA located? I thought I heard it was at St. Joseph’s Hospital?
The CCAA is affiliated with Western University. It is located in the same complex as the Windermere on the Mount Retirement Residence (at the corner of Richmond St. and Windermere Rd.)
I am interested in having my annual stress test through the CCAA but do not want to use the exercise facilities. Can I pay a reduced monthly fee?
For questions about services offered by the CCAA, you are encouraged to contact them directly at 519-661-1603 or ccaa@uwo.ca.
