Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1539. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expand the cardiac referral service to ensure all heart failure patients are referred for rehab following diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37352/23]
View answerChanging Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of Cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for cardiac patients and is considered an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Cardiac rehabilitation is specifically developed for patients with established cardiovascular disease and positive outcomes for patients are linked to high-quality cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in a hospital to phase four in the community. The number of patients (5,063) accessing the service in 2019 increased by 25% from 2010. There are also increasing referrals of more complex, older and frail patients with multiple comorbidities to cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit data suggest a 71% referral rate to cardiac rehabilitation programmes. There are at least 35 centres providing cardiac rehabilitation services nationally.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with the aim to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of services. This review will also recommend the optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service in the context of the Sláintecare reform programme. In terms of scope, the National Review covers scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults which includes cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure services.
The Report is now finalised and is being prepared currently for my consideration. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally.
