Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The national review of adult specialist cardiac services is finalised. The review provides a detailed, evidence-driven analysis of cardiac services across the country. A wide range of stakeholders - clinical, patient and public - were consulted as part of the review. The review provides recommendations around cardiac health policy, specifically: patient-centred care integrated with Sláintecare; increased cardiac care in community settings; a focus on prevention; capital investment for non-invasive diagnostics and imaging, including ehealth; structural reform to develop regional cardiac networks and national comprehensive cardiac centres; and leadership and governance.

Publication of the review, which is very important, will facilitate the development of the new national cardiovascular strategy. That will take time to develop and will require significant reform to ensure effectiveness and sustainability. I am reviewing the report and I hope to meet the authors shortly. Yesterday, at St. Michael's Hospital, we met Professor Ken McDonald, who is one of the people involved, and I hope to have the opportunity to meet with them when I return from my St. Patrick's Day engagements. I would anticipate publishing it shortly thereafter.

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