Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

573. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the development of a catheterisation laboratory at Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21109/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Programme produced a model of care in March 2012. This set out the model of care for the treatment of ACS, and for the provision of Primary Percutaneous Intervention (PPCI) nationally.

A new Cross Border Cardiology Service commenced in May 2016. Patients residing in the Donegal catchment area who suffer a suspected ST-Elevation Myocardial infarction, and who previously would have been transported to University Hospital Galway by road or air, will now be transported the shorter distance to Altnagelvin Area Hospital Derry, for emergency pPCI treatment.

This service is provided by the Saolta University Healthcare Group in conjunction with the Western Health and Social Care Trust and will provide treatment for approximately 60 patients per annum, who, post treatment, will be repatriated to Letterkenny University Hospital or Sligo University Hospital. A consultant interventional cardiologist has recently been appointed, who is based at Letterkenny University Hospital and contributes to the services at Altnagelvin Hospital.

The cardiology service in Sligo University Hospital is provided by two consultants. A range of inpatient, outpatient and day case treatments are provided by the Sligo Cardiology Service to a catchment population of Sligo/Leitrim/South Donegal/West Cavan/North Roscommon.

Development of cardiology services at Sligo University Hospital will be considered in the context of the agreed model of care developed by the Acute Coronary Syndrome Programme.

My Department will shortly meet with the Saolta Hospital Group to discuss issues including catheterisation laboratory services on Sligo.