Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 4 July 2023
660. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of a pilot phone support programme run by an organisation (details supplied) in conjunction with the heart failure service in University Hospital Waterford that reduced the readmission rate among patients with the condition; if he believes this is a service that should now be expanded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32614/23]
View answerHeart Failure is an important public health issue. It 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.
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.
Ireland’s wider community of clinical practice in heart failure has provided leading research and innovation that continues to inform practice internationally. The STOP-HF project for example is a dedicated heart failure prevention strategy that is a first-of-type concept.
Ireland is also promoting pioneering innovations like the HeartCare at Home, a primary care project, which is open to all people with heart failure in Ireland. 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, avoiding unnecessary referrals and travel for the patient and facilitates the sharing of specialist expertise. This service was first developed along the East Coast of Ireland and Carlow and is now being rolled out nationally through the Health Service Executive Integrated Care Programme for chronic illness.
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 (such as the one in University Hospital Waterford) of effective models of care in heart failure and it is recognised that there are a number of care approaches to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations and deaths and maximise people’s quality of life. While progress has been made some patients with heart failure are still waiting to access these programmes.
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.
