Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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459. To ask the Minister for Health if a response will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding the need for a cath lab in Lourdes hospital, Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50642/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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My Private Office has confirmed that this correspondence has been received. A reply to this letter will issue shortly.

Based on this country's population, specialist cardiac cath lab services are only provided in a number of hospitals in order to ensure that the services provided achieve the required standards of safety, quality and sustainability in the interests of patients.

I have announced my intention to commence aNational Review of Specialist Cardiac Services that focuses on services for adults.

Specialist cardiac services cover hospital-based specialist services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease. This includes the services provided in catheterisation laboratories, both scheduled and unscheduled. The intention of the National Review is to set out minimum service requirements, relating to staffing, activity, performance, and other relevant measures, based on evidence where available, and/or conform to international best practice and standards. The National Review by its nature will encompass considerations for all acute hospitals. It will also consider the sustainability of the service for the following 10-15 years, with specific regard to manpower requirements, capital requirements and clinical/technological advances.