Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Feighan for raising this important issue. He is committed to developing and expanding health services, particularly in the west of Ireland and, in this case, in Sligo University Hospital. It is an important issue and it gives me the opportunity to provide an update. The Government is committed to ensuring that all citizens have access to safe, high quality and evidence-based care in line with international norms. Sligo University Hospital provides high quality healthcare to the people of Sligo, Leitrim, south Donegal and west Cavan. There are currently two cath labs based in Galway, which service acute cardiac cases for Sligo and the north west. For elective cases, a mobile cath lab unit operates for one day a week in Sligo and Letterkenny.

The 2013 report of the north-west cardiology review group recommended that opportunities presented by the proximity of Altnagelvin Hospital to Letterkenny should be explored to see if co-operation arrangements could be agreed. This recommendation has now been implemented. There is a cross-Border arrangement with Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry to provide cath lab services and primary percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI, to people in the north west. That is something that has come up in recent days as well in the broader Brexit debate. It is important that such cross-Border arrangements are continued and especially in respect of health issues. It is also important to note that specialist cardiac catheterisation lab services are provided in a small number of hospitals in order to ensure that the services provided achieve the required standards of safety, quality and sustainability in the interests of patients.

Earlier this year a steering group was established, chaired by Professor Philip Nolan, to undertake a national review of specialist cardiac services. The steering group comprises 15 members including health professionals, patients, HSE management and officials from my Department. The review will also consider the responses gathered from a public consultation. I am sure that will include the views of the people of the north west and people throughout the country who responded. This consultation is in keeping with the Government’s commitment to incorporating the views of our citizens.

The aim of the review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with a 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. The review will incorporate rigorous reviews of evidence and data, international peer review and stakeholder consultation. This review began on 31 January and is ongoing. It is expected that the work will be completed by the end of June 2019. I expect the review will provide a blueprint for the future of adult cardiac services. As set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, investment in cardiac catheterisation laboratories, and other cardiac services infrastructure nationally, will be informed by the outcome of the national review.