Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 9 June 2016
125. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive or the hospital group will sanction a fixed cardiac catheterisation laboratory for the north west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15091/16]
View answerAn important new cross-Border cardiology service which gives Co. Donegal patients suffering from a STEMI heart attack direct access to services in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry began on 4 May 2016.
Up to 60 patients suffering from a STEMI heart attack will be treated in Altnagelvin every year. Previously, patients from the region had to be transported to University Hospital Galway so this represents a significant improvement for patients in terms of treatment time and also distance.
Patients within 90 minutes’ travelling distance of Altnagelvin Hospital will now have access to 24/7 primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (pPCI) at the Hospital, meaning that STEMI heart attack patients will have rapid access to high quality services on their doorstep.
In a further development, the Saolta Group has appointed a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Letterkenny University Hospital, who will help to deliver the pPCI service from Altnagelvin.
Patients will be repatriated to Letterkenny University Hospital or Sligo University Hospital post-procedure for recovery.
In relation to the specific question raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
