Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 22 November 2023
212. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will give due consideration to publishing a new cardiovascular health policy, as the current Changing Cardiovascular Policy (2010-2019) requires updating; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51483/23]
View answerThe national policy, Changing Cardiovascular Health, covering the period 2010-2019 addressed cardiovascular disease and stroke, including prevention and management and how these are integrated to reduce the burden of these conditions. Ireland has made significant progress under the strategy and is performing better than the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average across a number of indicators.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.
The aim of the Cardiac Services Review is to recommend configuration for a national adult cardiac service to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive. This aligns with 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.
The Review is finalised and has been presented to my office, where it is under my consideration. The recommendations of the review will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally.
