Eamon Scanlon (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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102. To ask the Minister for Health when there will be a permanent cath lab at Sligo University Hospital. [23516/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Specialist cardiac catheterisation lab services are provided in a small 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.

The Deputy may wish to note that I have established a Steering Group, chaired by Professor Philip Nolan, President of Maynooth University to undertake a National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.  The National Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the service.  In that regard, consideration will be given to the optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service.  In terms of scope, the National Review will cover scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults.  The question of the provision of a permanent cath lab at Sligo University Hospital will be informed by the National Review.

The Steering Group began its work on 31st January 2018 and the Chair anticipates that it will take approximately 18 months to produce a comprehensive and robust final report.  However, the Deputy can be assured that all efforts will be made to conclude the Review at an earlier date, if feasible.