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

I thank the Senator for raising this important issue. I am aware of her work as a health professional. I have listened carefully to everything she has said. I will take on board all the points she raises during this debate.

I am pleased to have an opportunity to update the House on the thrombectomy service in Beaumont Hospital. It is estimated that every year, some 10,000 people have a stroke-related event and some 2,000 people die as a result. Thrombectomy is an emergency endovascular procedure that is provided under radiological guidance to remove clots from patients with severe strokes using specialist devices. There is strong evidence of improved outcomes for patients who undergo thrombectomy treatment, which can be life-saving and can prevent serious disability.

As Minister of State with responsibility for disability services, I take this very seriously. The provision of emergency endovascular thrombectomy is highly specialised. Mechanical thrombectomy procedures are provided by specialist neuroendovascular radiologists in Beaumont Hospital and Cork University Hospital. The number of patients undergoing this procedure has been increasing each year. There were 122 cases in 2015, 172 cases in 2016 and 280 cases in 2017. The HSE has indicated that two new biplane neuroangiographic imaging systems are required because the existing systems are at the end of their lives. This project includes the replacement of the existing biplane angiograph imaging system, the provision of a second biplane angiograph and the associated building works necessary to accommodate the second machine. The simple replacement of the existing machine would result in a discontinuation of service for a prolonged period, thereby necessitating the installation of a second device. It is estimated that the project will cost €6.688 million, with a project timeline of 24 months.

The HSE is responsible for the delivery of health infrastructure projects. All proposed projects must be submitted to the HSE's capital and property steering committee for approval and prioritisation prior to inclusion in multi-annual capital plans. A submission for the development of an expanded neurointerventional radiology service at Beaumont Hospital was received by the HSE national capital and property steering committee in February 2018. The submission for expanded services at Beaumont Hospital is supported by the HSE acute hospital directorate and is recommended for inclusion in the capital plan.

The HSE is developing its national service plan and capital plan for 2019. It is aware of the need for the development of the thrombectomy service at Beaumont Hospital. The HSE will consider this development in the context of planning for 2019 within available funding and the process in place for the agreement and prioritisation of projects in the capital plan. All projects such as the proposed thrombectomy service development must comply with national and EU spending and procurement requirements. They require a lead-in time to complete the various development stages, including appraisal, design, planning, tender, construction and commissioning.The Government is committed to making tangible and sustainable improvements in our health services. The Department, the HSE, the RCSI hospital group and Beaumont Hospital are supportive of the project to develop thrombectomy services at the hospital, and the need for this capital development is recognised in supporting the delivery of this key service to patients. It is an absolute priority for me as well.