Pat Gallagher (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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1444. To ask the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to provide a cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Letterkenny University Hospital; if he will provide the necessary funds for the employment of a cardiologist to service the laboratory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26177/16]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The National Clinical Programme for Acute Coronary Syndrome recommends that patients who are suffering a ST-elevation heart attack (often referred to as a 'STEMI') should have access to Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (pPCI) within 90 minutes. pPCI is a cardiology procedure, carried out in a cardiac catheterisation laboratory, which is used to clear arterial blockages and to insert stents at any sites of arterial narrowing or occlusion.

Earlier this year, a new cross-border cardiology service was put in place, which gives Donegal patients suffering from a STEMI heart attack direct access to pPCI services at the cardiac catheterisation facilities in Altnagelvin Hospital, Derry. This is the first cross-border service of its kind and represents a milestone in medical provision for the north west.

The Saolta Group has appointed a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist at Letterkenny University Hospital, who will assist in delivering the pPCI service from Altnagelvin. Patients within 90 minutes’ travelling distance of Altnagelvin Hospital will now have access to 24/7 pPCI at that facility.

Up to 60 patients from County Donegal suffering from a STEMI heart attack will be treated in Altnagelvin every year. Previously, patients from this region had to be transported to University Hospital Galway. This initiative therefore represents a significant improvement in terms of rapid access to pPCI for patients in County Donegal.