James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the progress made in relation to the Programme for Government commitment to develop stroke rehabilitation services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26796/08]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In September last year, I established a Cardiovascular Health Policy Group to advise on how to prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular disease and stroke and improve services for individuals affected by these conditions. The National Audit of Stroke Care which was recently published by the Irish Heart Foundation with the support of my Department, has highlighted a number of areas where clinical care and the organisation of stroke services can be enhanced.

The policy group is considering the audit and is addressing the issues including prevention in the primary care setting, rapid access to diagnostic services, the configuration of stroke services including stroke units, the provision of thrombolysis as well as models of rehabilitation and discharge planning. The group is expected to report before the end of the year.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has indicated that there are now acute stroke units in six hospitals, namely Mater Misericordiae Hospital, St James's Hospital, Dublin; South Tipperary General Hospital, Clonmel; Our Lady's Hospital, Navan; Sligo General Hospital and Portiuncula Hospital, Galway. A further two hospitals, St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny and Connolly Hospital, Dublin are building or refurbishing a unit. The HSE expects that there will be 45 dedicated beds for acute stroke in the near future.