Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
659. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his plans to cut waiting times for outpatient appointments for heart failure patients, particularly in view of the high hospital readmission rates among patients with the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32613/23]
View answerHeart Failure is an important public health issue. Heart Failure is a prevalent, complex condition with increasing numbers. Across Europe, and in Ireland heart failure is a significant cause of hospital admission some of which could be avoided, placing increasing demand on our health services, a reduction in quality of life and life expectancy.
There has been notable progress in both therapeutics and structures of heart failure care improving Quality of Life and Life Expectancy. The detection and prevention of heart failure is a priority and the National Clinical Programme for heart failure is working towards , improving quality of life for people living with the syndrome. The programme (HSE) is in the process of linking in with the European Society of Cardiology who have an excellent platform to enable registry development on not only heart failure but other cardiovascular conditions. In addition, working under the guidance of Dr. Peter Kearney the programme is also aiming to initiate the EuroHeart programme database project in Ireland.
Ireland’s wider community of clinical practice in heart failure has provided leading research and innovation that continues to inform national and international practice. The STOP-HF project for example is a dedicated heart failure prevention strategy and a first-of-type concept. Ireland continues to implement pioneering innovations like the HeartCare at Home, a primary care project, which is open to all people with heart failure. To get heart failure specialist care to a wider cohort of patients ‘Virtual Consultation’ allows on-line, real-time discussion of heart failure case questions with a family doctor. This consultation results in very effective remote management, supporting hospital avoidance, avoiding unnecessary referrals and travel for the patient and facilitates the sharing of specialist expertise.
There has been significant investment in Integrated Care Programmes for Chronic Disease which includes heart failure. This investment has enabled the development of structures of care which will significantly improve all aspects of heart failure care including speed of diagnosis, access to cardiac diagnostic and therapies.
There are clear, evidence-based guidelines and excellent case studies of effective models of care in heart failure. It is recognised that progress has been made in increasing access to care, prevent unnecessary hospitalisations and deaths and maximise people’s quality of life. However, there is further access and community care required to impact waiting lists and access to care further and to understand the challenges more, a National Review of our adult Specialist Cardiac Services which includes heart failure was commissioned. The Report is now finalised and is being prepared for my consideration. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally.
