Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 May 2016
692. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 447 of 6 April 2016, the status of the proposed provision of a fixed cardio catheterisation laboratory for Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9651/16]
View answerThe Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Programme produced a model of care in March, 2012. This described the treatment of ACS and the provision of Primary Percutaneous Intervention (PPCI) nationally, and set out proposals for an optimal reperfusion service, which have been implemented.
The Acute Coronary Syndrome Working Group has recently been asked to conduct a comprehensive review of PPCI and PCI services nationally; recommendations will be made regarding the future configuration of these services, including the number and location of centres required to serve the population needs. Any future redesignation or expansion of PPCI Centres will be informed by this comprehensive review. It is anticipated that it will be completed within 3 months.
The Saolta Cross Border Cardiology Service commenced on May 4th 2016. This new service will greatly enhance patient access to emergency Cardiology services in the North-west region. Patients residing in the Donegal catchment area who suffer a suspected ST-Elevation Myocardial infarction, and who previously would have been transported to University Hospital Galway by road or air, will now be transported the shorter distance to Altnagelvin Area Hospital Derry, for emergency pPCI treatment.
This service is provided by the Saolta University Healthcare Group in conjunction with the Western Health and Social Care Trust and will provide treatment for approximately 60 patients per annum, who, post treatment, will be repatriated to the agreed acute Saolta Group hospital, whether Letterkenny University Hospital or Sligo University Hospital.
