Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 June 2021
492. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the documents which were collated in relation to the recommendations of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010-2019 that are being used to inform the development of the report of the National Review of Cardiac Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26766/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cardiovascular policy, “Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010-2019”, built on the first national cardiovascular health strategy, entitled “Building Healthier Hearts” (Department of Health 1999). The reorganisation of care was reflected in the national cardiovascular strategy in 2010 which proposed the centralisation of cardiovascular services in order to maximise access, expertise and population coverage which formed part of the consideration of the current National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.
While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. However, it is intended that the Review will continue and work is now underway to progress this over the coming months.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services with specific terms of reference is cognisant of recommendations in the Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 – 2019.
