Hospital Transfers

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 June 2022

Tuesday, 21 June 2022

Ceisteanna (783)

Matt Shanahan

Ceist:

783. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health further to parliamentary question No. 721 of 31 May 2022, if he will publish any communications between his Department and the clinical leads in the national heart programme, NHP, (details supplied) that make reference to the elongated transfer times being suffered by University Hospital Waterford ST-elevation myocardial infarction, STEMI, heart attack patient transfers; if the NHP will publish their preferred latest transfer protocol timelines with reference to European and US transfer standards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32259/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In 2012 it was agreed at the time with the Acute Coronary Syndromes Programme that a confirmed STEMI (ie diagnosed in the field by a paramedic/advanced paramedic) should be transported to the nearest Primary PCI Centre within 90 minutes of diagnosis, bypassing other hospitals. Since then, this protocol has not changed.

The National Heart Programme (NHP) is the overarching body charged with development of acute and community cardiovascular care on a par with international standards. It has specific briefs to ensure equity of access to hospital and community care structures is integral to the development of care pathways that support the implementation of Sláintecare.

The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is examining the delivery of cardiac services nationally with the aim of ensuring that as many patients as possible have access, on a 24/7 basis to safe, quality assured, and sustainable emergency interventions following an acute myocardial infarction.  The Review seeks 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 an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service.  The review engages with a range of stakeholders as part of this process.