Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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731. To ask the Minister for Health if Sligo is being assessed as a full primary percutaneous coronary intervention centre under the National Review of Cardiac Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35638/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.

The aim of the Cardiac Services Review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive, by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme. In terms of scope, the National Review covers scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults which includes primary percutaneous coronary intervention and cardiac catheterization lab services nationally.

The Covid-19 Pandemic impacted on the progress of the review during 2020 and into 2021 as the Chair of the National Review has played a key role in the national Covid-19 response as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. 

The Cardiac Services Review is making progress with a view to finalizing the Report. The Steering Group most recently met on 26th May 2022 and the next meeting is being planned. The Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report. The cardiac services review is a national, evidence based review. Details of the review process and any decisions should await the final Report and recommendations of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.