Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Perhaps we should but I would like doctors to decide that. The national review of specialist cardiac services is independently chaired by the very eminent Professor Phillip Nolan who is president of Maynooth University. He is an independent chair. The aim of the national review is to achieve optimal patience outcomes at population levels. The scope of the national review is broad and was welcomed by many in the Deputy's party. It is badly needed. The report will examine services for adults that address elective, urgent and emergency need for hospital-based diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease. That will include diagnostic and interventional cardiac procedures and associated interdependent services.

There are 15 members on the steering committee. The Deputy will be pleased to know they include healthcare professionals and, crucially, patients. Patient advocacy is important in this area. Officials from the HSE and my Department are also on the steering committee. The review will also consider responses gathered from public consultation. There has been an opportunity for people, including those from the north west, to have an input into review and I believe a number of people from the Deputy's part of the country gave their views. The steering committee will report in June. It will recommend the best service configuration for a national adult cardiac service. I understand how important and sensitive this matter is in the north west. That was made clear to me on my recent visit to Sligo.

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