Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 November 2014
316. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 13 November 2014, if he will undertake a full risk assessment to ensure that there are no negative healthcare results for the people of counties Wicklow and east Carlow as a result of the redesign of the primary percutaneous coronary intervention programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44834/14]
View answer321. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 13 November 2014, if he will undertake a full review of the way the Health Service Executive made and announced a premature decision, which resulted in a temporary suspension of ambulance transfers to St. Vincents University Hospital for patients suspected of having ST elevation Myocardial Infarction, and caused widespread concern; if he will confirm that no such premature announcements are made in future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44880/14]
View answer322. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 153 of 13 November 2014, if he will ensure that some form of stakeholder outreach is included in the redesign of the Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention programme, which is currently underway before any decisions are made and announced, including dialogue with frontline workers, paramedics and first responders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44881/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 316, 321 and 322 together.
St. Vincent’s University Hospital (SVUH), St. James’s Hospital and Mater Misericordiae University Hospital operate as designated 24/7 Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) centres for the Greater Dublin Area.
In relation to the withdrawal of SVUH as a 24/7 PPCI centre, the HSE has advised my Department that a premature decision was taken in this regard without the normal notifications to relevant stakeholders. This resulted in a temporary suspension over the weekend of 7 November of ambulance transfers to SVUH for patients suspected of having ST elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI).
SVUH resumed as a 24/7 PPCI centre at 8am on Tuesday 11 November 2014.
It should be noted that at all times, patients presenting directly to SVUH with suspected STEMI had PPCI in SVUH 24/7 available, if deemed clinically necessary. The Mater and St. James's Hospital continued to provide 24/7 PPCI and accept ambulance transfer for patients with STEMI who would ordinarily have been transferred to SVUH for the period of the temporary suspension.
The HSE has advised that a redesign of the PPCI programme - especially in relation to out of hours - is currently underway. The Acute Coronary Syndrome Programme in collaboration with the Acute Hospitals Division and National Ambulance Service of the HSE will enter discussions with all Dublin hospitals currently delivering PPCI, and with other stakeholders, with a view to devising the most effective and sustainable model of care for PPCI in the region.
The following information was provided under Standing Order 40A
I refer to Deputy Donnelly’s request for further information in response to Questions Nos. 316 and 321.
As indicated in my response to these PQs a redesign of the Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) programme - especially for out of hours - is currently underway.
The HSE Acute Hospitals Division (AHD) has requested that the Acute Coronary Syndrome Programme provide an update on their 2012 recommendations to provide clarification on the following questions:
(a) The number of centres required to deliver 24/7 Primary PCI in the Greater Dublin area
(b) The feasibility of maintaining 9-5 services on any site
(c) How resources will be consolidated on 24/7 sites, especially in reference to out-of-hours work.
I expect that the ACS Programme, in consultation with the AHD and the National Ambulance Service will take account of the healthcare requirements of the catchment population, including Wicklow and Carlow, in making their recommendations. Once these recommendations are received early in 2015, the AHD will be responsible for leading on their communication and implementation.
In relation to the announcement and temporary suspension of ambulance transfers to St Vincent’s University Hospital in November, it has been acknowledged by the HSE that a premature decision was taken in this regard without the normal notifications to relevant stakeholders. I have no plans to review the way in which that decision was made, however I can assure the Deputy that it won't happen again and there will be appropriate communication with all stakeholders in advance of decisions on future arrangements for delivery of 24/7 Primary PCI in the Dublin area.
I trust that this information addresses the requests for information to the Deputy’s satisfaction.
