Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 8 September 2022
1605. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans, if any, to introduce a national screening programme for persons aged 60 years and over for cardiovascular disease, including structural heart disease given that early diagnosis is vital in the treatment of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42373/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
It is important to be aware that any decisions about changes to our national screening programmes, or the introduction of new programmes, such as screening for structural heart disease, will be made on the advice of our National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards, and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
It may be of interest to note that the NSAC held its first 'Annual Call’ in 2021, which gave the public an opportunity to suggest new screening programmes or modifications to existing ones and the Committee are currently reviewing the submissions received. I will be guided by their advice to ensure Ireland’s population-based screening programmes continue to evolve in line with new evidence and developments.
It is important to remember that population-based screening programmes are for healthy people without symptoms. If anyone becomes aware of symptoms, or if they have concerns or worries, they should contact their GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Philip 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 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. 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 structural heart diseases.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is in the concluding stages and the Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report with the most recent meeting held on 11th August 2022, and the next meeting scheduled for mid-September 2022. As noted above, any newly proposed heart disease screening recommendations resulting from the review will be subject to consideration and advice of NSAC.
