Access to care at the right time is critical to ensure that cardiovascular conditions are well managed. In the acute setting, access to primary percutaneous intervention (PPCI), or where that is not available in the recommended timeframe, thrombolysis (clot busting), can reduce the likelihood of myocardial (heart attack) damage, and therefore subsequent poor health outcomes.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing, and patient representatives. The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is examining the delivery of cardiac services nationally with the aim of ensuring that as many patients as possible have access, on a 24/7 basis to safe, quality assured and sustainable emergency interventions following an acute myocardial infarction. The Review seeks to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality, and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. The review is underpinned by a rigorous systematic evidence review, data analysis of existing service provision, and examination of relevant international good practice. The most up to date information and data available including the recent NOCA Heart Attack Audit is considered as part of the review process.
The Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report with the next meeting planned for late June 2022. The Steering group most recently met on the 26th of May 2022 to further progress the review. The implementation process for the National Cardiac Services Review is also being developed as part of the process to finalise the Report. Decisions on further service developments will await the final Report and recommendations of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.
