Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 June 2020
576. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the costs associated with decision-supported software for emergency stroke radiology assessment and case selection for thrombectomy treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10945/20]
View answer581. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of stroke beds here; the deficit that exists for the population on the basis of recommendations contained in the UK national clinical guidelines for stroke; the number of stroke beds required to manage the predicted increase in stroke outlined by SAFE; the estimated cost of meeting the staffing requirements for a singular stroke unit bed; the estimated cost required to meet the increase in incidence; the additional staffing needed for the development of acute stroke unit bed capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10950/20]
View answer582. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of stroke unit beds before Covid-19; the number of stroke unit beds now that hospitals are operating on reduced capacity as per the two metre rule; the number of stroke beds if the 2 m rule was reduced to 1 m; the associated costs of keeping stroke unit bed capacity and then ensuring the appropriate number of stroke beds for the population on the basis of recommendations contained in the UK national clinical guidelines for stroke; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10951/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 576, 581 and 582 together.
The HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke has been in place since early 2010 and has been instrumental in the re-organisation of stroke care in Ireland. The vision of the programme is a modern comprehensive and integrated care pathway for all stroke patients using the best available medical evidence.
Building on the success of the last 10 years, the National Clinical Programme for Stroke is currently completing a new five-year programme of work that will focus on the following four pillars of stroke care:
- Prevention
- Acute Care and Cure
- Rehabilitation and Restoration
- Education and Research
Arising from the National Stroke Register Report (2018) the HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke has included in its five year stroke strategy a proposal for the reintroduction of a symptom awareness campaign to supplement the significantly improved clinical outcomes that have occurred in stroke care in Ireland over the last 10 years.
On its completion I look forward to working with the HSE on this important programme of work.
With regard to the query raised in respect of numbers of beds, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
