Maura Hopkins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Finian McGrath, for taking this Commencement matter. I am sure he is very well aware of the issue with the thrombectomy machine because it is situated in Beaumont Hospital, which is in his constituency. I raise this matter because I have worked with stroke patients for a number of years as a healthcare professional. I am very much aware of the positive impact thrombectomy services can have on people. In many cases it is the most effective life-saving treatment for stroke patients.

Evidence clearly indicates that thrombectomy services can reduce stroke deaths by half and reduce the rate of permanent disability by a similar amount. I cite this evidence because it is from the ESCAPE trial in which Beaumont Hospital was involved with many other countries across the world to try to provide evidence of the effectiveness of this service. However, due to the poor condition of the equipment in Beaumont Hospital, patients' lives are being put at risk. I have become aware from the Irish Heart Foundation that the thrombectomy machine being used in Beaumont Hospital is not fit for purpose in a modern health service. The machine has broken down on many occasions and, worryingly, it has also broken down while patients have been in receipt of treatment.

I should outline what a thrombectomy is. It involves a tube being inserted into an artery in the groin which travels through blood vessels to the brain, monitored and guided by X-ray. It sucks up the clot from the brain and restores blood supply. It is very worrying, therefore, that this thrombectomy machine is not fit for purpose in the first place and is also breaking down when patients are receiving treatment.

I am seeking an update from the Minister of State in respect of ensuring a new machine will be installed and that there will be further expansion of this service in Beaumont Hospital. There is a similar service in Cork.Some 248 patients benefitted from the thrombectomy services at Beaumont Hospital in 2017. I have been informed in writing by the chief executive of the hospital that it is admitted that patients have received substandard treatment. This is really not acceptable. We know this service can have a positive impact on many people. I understand it would cost approximately €1.5 million to replace this machine. This must be a priority, especially given that we will put €17 billion into our health service next year. We must ensure stroke patients get an excellent service that includes the modern and up-to-date treatment they require. We must support them in seeking to reduce the onset of disability-related limitations. We know there is strong evidence of the positive benefits of thrombectomy services. I ask the Minister of State to update the House on when we will see this new machine being put in place.