In 2012 it was agreed at the time with the Acute Coronary Syndromes Programme that a confirmed STEMI (ie diagnosed in the field by a paramedic/advanced paramedic) should be transported to the nearest Primary PCI Centre within 90 minutes of diagnosis, bypassing other hospitals. Since then, this protocol has not changed.
The National Heart Programme (NHP) is the overarching body charged with development of acute and community cardiovascular care on a par with international standards. It has specific briefs to ensure equity of access to hospital and community care structures is integral to the development of care pathways that support the implementation of Sláintecare.
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 engages with a range of stakeholders as part of this process.