Bridging the Heart Gap is a consumer- and clinician-led research initiative focused on improving equity in paediatric cardiac surgery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in rural and remote Queensland and Western Australia. These children often face distressing travel to distant cities like Brisbane or Perth for critical heart surgery, procedures that are not only time-sensitive but deeply traumatic when delivered in unfamiliar, disconnected settings.

This project recognises that trust, cultural safety, and continuity of care are critical. Our vision is to ensure timely, equitable access to the best care for First Nations children, families, and communities needing cardiac surgery.

With strong roots in community partnerships, the project is co-designed with families, local clinicians, and Elders. It builds on a successful pilot led by Queensland Children’s Hospital that used telehealth and early engagement on country to ease transitions into hospital care. The approach not only improved health outcomes but helped reduce fear and mistrust, laying a foundation for sustainable, scalable change.