Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1538. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health to improve and extend cardiac psychological services across the country, given the very limited services currently available to heart failure patients following diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37351/23]
View answerChanging Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of cardiac rehabilitation which includes a psychological component. There are at least 35 centres providing cardiac rehabilitation services nationally. Cardiac rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for patients recovering from a cardiac event and is proven an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease. Cardiac psychological services are an important element of multifaceted cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit data suggest that 71% of those who suffered a cardiac event are referred to cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Given that there are clear, evidence-based guidelines in cardiac rehabilitation and the benefits of psychological intervention, it is recognised that this is an important component to maximise people’s quality of life in living with heart failure.
To understand the challenges, requirements and generate an evidence base for next steps in cardiac care, a National Review of our adult Specialist Cardiac Services which includes cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure was commissioned. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally. The Report is now finalised and is being prepared currently for my consideration.
