Vol. 525 No. 2
205 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans he has to provide funding to allow general practitioners to screen patients for cardiovascular disease in their own surgeries, particularly having regard to the high death rate from this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24540/00]
The cardiovascular strategy report – Building Healthier Hearts – makes a number of recommendations for general practice in relation to that area playing a fuller role in the cardiovascular strategy. For example, the report proposes that a systematic approach be taken in primary care to the risk assessment, secondary prevention and ongoing management of those identified as being high risk.
The report was adopted and a task force and advisory forum established to progress its work with significant funding being made available. Primary care has benefited significantly from that funding which has allowed a number of cardiovascular related initiatives and necessary infrastructural development in general practice to be undertaken. Further, funding was also made available under the cardiovascular programme for pilot projects of secondary prevention in two health board areas.
