Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2022

Tuesday, 12 July 2022

Questions (195, 197)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

195. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there is no erosion of cardiac care at of Letterkenny University Hospital as a result of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services; the engagements that he and his officials have had with the Northern Ireland health authorities on enhancing and basing a cross-Border cardiac care service at Hospital for the people of Derry, Tyrone and Donegal, similar to the North West Cancer Centre based at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry. [37217/22]

Pearse Doherty

Question:

197. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he plans to alleviate the concerns that have been raised as a result of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services that cardiac care services are being eroded at Letterkenny University Hospital; and the correspondence that his Department has had with health authorities in the North of Ireland regarding strengthening cross-Border cardiac care services at Letterkenny University Hospital for persons in Derry, Tyrone and Donegal. [37591/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 197 together.

There are a number of health cooperation services operating in the North West region between Donegal and Derry. These include the North West Cardiology Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Service (PCI). In place since 2016, the agreement provides for the provision of Primary PCI Service to Donegal patients at Altnagelvin Hospital. The cardiology service is provided to patients with a diagnosed ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction condition (heart attack).

The National Cardiac Services Review is in the final stages and is due to be published later this year. This review will set out the roadmap for the future delivery of cardiac services nationally. In the interim, University Hospital Galway will continue to support Letterkenny University Hospital in the delivery of acute cardiac services.

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy to provide additional details regarding cardiac services at Letterkenny University Hospital.