Denis Naughten
Ceist:22. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to increase thrombolysis rates for stroke patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53982/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraWednesday, 18 December 2013
Ceisteanna (22)
Freagraí scríofa
Improvements in Stroke services were envisioned in the “Changing Cardiovascular Health: Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 -2019” which was launched in 2010. The policy establishes a framework for the prevention, detection and treatment of cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, which seeks to ensure an integrated and quality assured approach in their management, so as to reduce the burden of these conditions.
The implementation of the National Stroke Programme, since 2010 to date has resulted in improved services for all stroke programmes. One of the programme's targets was to increase the rate of safe thrombolysis from 1% to 7.5% by the end of 2013. The HSE has recently reported a national stroke thrombolysis rate of 10.5% for the third quarter of this year, which exceeds targets and is comparable to rates internationally.
I am pleased to report that the national 24/7 access to safe stroke thrombolysis is progressing, with 24/7 access available now in 23 hospitals. Ambulance access protocols are in place for other hospitals where acute stroke patients are taken to the nearest hospital providing 24/7 thrombolysis. As mentioned earlier, significant improvements in thrombolysis rates have been noted as high as 10.5% so far this year.
Further developments in training on this matter are ongoing through the Thrombolysis Training programme. The Stroke Foundation Education Programme has been developed and rolled out through the Centres for Nurse Education. The programme empowers all care staff to provide better care and information to stroke patients. TRASNA (Telemedicine Rapid Access for Stroke and Neurological Assessment) is being implemented. Both the Mater and Cavan hospitals' TRASNA are operational since May; AMNCH and Naas will switch to new system in the coming months. The HSE National Ambulance Service has worked in partnership with the Irish Heart Foundation whereby Emergency Ambulance Vehicles double as mobile billboards to improve public awareness of stroke symptoms and boost IHF F.A.S.T. Stroke Campaign.