Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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Question 416: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether the level and quality of stroke care available throughout the country is satisfactory; if she will provide organised stroke unit care with the emphasis on stroke prevention in order that stroke patients could have ready and rapid access to such units; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29665/08]

Mary Wallace (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
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The National Audit of Stroke Care, which was published earlier this year by the Irish Heart Foundation with the support of my Department, highlighted a number of areas where clinical care and the organisation of stroke services can be enhanced. 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. I am aware that the Policy Group has, in the course of its work, considered the findings of 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 within the next few months.