Written answers

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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345. To ask the Minister for Health the numbers of patients requiring provision of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Centre in Saint Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4 and in the two other centres; the evidence upon which this decision and the placement of centres was based; the numbers that are recommended to keep units open; the issue with numbers of adequate staff; if the decision was based on cost or best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17548/15]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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As noted in my reply to the Deputy on 28 April 2015, in November 2014, the Acute Hospitals Division of the HSE requested the National Clinical Programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS Programme) to review the current configuration of PPCI services in Dublin, having regard to the requirement to deliver safe, sustainable services on the designated sites. The model of care produced by the ACS Programme was informed by advice from the principals involved in centres in the UK and other European countries. The Programme was also informed by models of care from the US and Australia. Experience at national and international level highlights the importance of having sustainable rotas of clinical staff to support the 24/7 requirements of this service.

The review looked at the number of centres that should be delivering PPCI in Dublin, where these centres should be located and the feasibility of maintaining 9 to 5 PPCI services on any cardiology intervention site. Following consultation with the National Ambulance Service and with all relevant hospitals, the ACS Programme recommended that there should be two 24/7 PPCI centres for Dublin, located in the Mater and St. James’s Hospitals, which would accept all ambulance transfers of patients with STEMI.

The designation of PPCI centres outside Dublin is based on the recommendations of the ACS Programme report of 2012 as follows - Cork University hospital (24/7), University Hospital Waterford (9-5) and Galway University hospital (24/7).

Therefore the decision was based on best practice. Best practice that has patient safety and outcome at its centre.

In relation to the Deputy's specific queries on the numbers of patients requiring PPCI services and staffing levels, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

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