David Cullinane (Waterford, Sinn Fein)
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132. To ask the Minister for Health when he will publish a new cardiovascular health strategy; if he will deliver 24/7 cardiac cover for the southeast area of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7844/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services was established by the Minister for Health in 2018 to review the delivery of cardiac services nationally. Its aim is to develop recommendations regarding the optimal configuration of national adult cardiac services in order to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level, with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services.

The Review also aims to ensure that as many patients as possible have access, on a 24/7 basis, to safe, quality assured and sustainable emergency interventions following an acute myocardial infarction. The Review considers the delivery of cardiac services nationally, including in the South East region.

Substantial progress has been made on the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services. While progress was impacted during 2020 and into 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Cardiac Services Review is now making significant progress again, and the Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report, with a view to finalising the Report at an early date.