Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 April 2018
953. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if changes are being proposed to the national cardiovascular health policy; if reconfiguration of services is being carried out or proposed; if all hospitals providing cardiovascular services will continue to do so; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16308/18]
View answerThe National Cardiovascular Policy (2010-2019) made recommendations across a range of areas including prevention, primary care, acute services and rehabilitation. These are continuing to be implemented by the HSE and its clinical programmes on heart failure, acute coronary and stroke. Since the publication of the strategy, there have been a number of service developments including structured care for heart failure and the expansion of stroke services including stroke units and the provision of thrombolysis. Cardiovascular disease prevention will be included as part of the contractual framework for GPs. Given the on-going implementation of the policy, there are no changes proposed.
It should be noted though that a National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services started work on January 30th 2018. Given the breadth of this Review’s scope, it’s possible that some of its recommendations may have an impact on cardiovascular services. However, this Review is still in its early stages and a Final Report is not expected to be produced until 2019.
