Martin Ferris
Question:149 Mr. Ferris asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the steps she intends to take to ensure that persons suffering from heart disease in the Kerry area will receive treatment. [32449/04]
View answerTuesday, 7 December 2004
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Written answers
In line with priorities identified in the Southern Health Board's regional cardiovascular health strategy, five year action plan, published in June 2000, Kerry General Hospital received €503,778 over the first three years of the strategy to develop cardiology related services in the hospital. This has resulted in the appointment of or approval to recruit 12.5 staff for the hospital under the strategy.
The strengthening of the infrastructure in the hospital has enabled Kerry General Hospital to develop a cardiac rehabilitation service, a cardiac non-invasive diagnostic service, extend its telemetry service in its coronary care unit, extend its resuscitation-training programme and provide for ongoing staff training. Additional funding of €500,000 was allocated to the Southern Health Board under the cardiovascular health strategy in April this year. The funding has allowed the board to begin establishing a consultant-led cardiology service for patients in Kerry. I am advised by the Southern Health Board that interviews to fill a consultant cardiologist post by way of a sessional partnership between Bon Secours Hospital Tralee and Kerry General Hospital have taken place recently and it is expected that an appointment will be made shortly.
The investment that the government has already made in the cardiology services together with the future establishment of a consultant cardiology service will help ensure that people suffering from heart disease in Kerry will be able to avail of the highest quality treatment locally.