Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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612. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline the cutbacks in services (details supplied); when further funding will be allocated in order that those centres can reopen; when additional staffing will be provided for these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57544/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019highlighted the importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for cardiac patients recovering from a cardiac event. Cardiac Rehabilitation is considered an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to the rigorous and extensive evidence base supporting its clinical effectiveness and is of importance for patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is specifically tailored for those with established CVD, and patient outcomes are highly dependent on the quality of Cardiac Rehabilitation service delivered. Cardiac Rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in hospital to phase four in the community. Phase 4 community based cardiac rehabilitation is about maintaining the lifestyle changes that have been advised and staying healthy. Some Cardiac Rehabilitation centers offer phase 4 or can provide information on leisure centers in the area that may the offer the service.

Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit (2017-2020) data suggest a 71% referral rate to Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes. There are at least 36 centers in Ireland providing Cardiac Rehabilitation services nationally. Recommendations from “Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019”recognised a need to establish or redirect services to address effectively the common rehabilitation goals of all cardiovascular patients. Increasing participation in chronic disease self-management programmes is central to Sláintecare.

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 cardiac 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 and includes Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes.

Substantial progress has been made on the National Review of Cardiac Services since the Steering Group reconvened in September 2021 and it is currently in its concluding stages. The final Steering Group meeting was held in October and recommendations are finalised. The National Review Report is being prepared for the Ministers consideration at this time. Decisions on further service developments including any costs and workforce will await the final Report recommendations.

Michael Ring (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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613. To ask the Minister for Health when a service (details supplied) will be fully resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57545/22]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019highlighted the importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for cardiac patients recovering from a cardiac event. Cardiac Rehabilitation is considered an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to the rigorous and extensive evidence base supporting its clinical effectiveness and is of importance for patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is specifically tailored for those with established CVD, and patient outcomes are highly dependent on the quality of Cardiac Rehabilitation service delivered. Cardiac Rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in hospital to phase four in the community. Phase 4 community based Cardiac Rehabilitation is about maintaining the lifestyle changes that have been advised and staying healthy. Some Cardiac Rehabilitation centers offer phase 4 or can provide information on leisure centres in the area that may the offer the service.

Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit (2017-2020) data suggest a 71% referral rate to Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes. There are at least 36 centers in Ireland providing Cardiac Rehabilitation services nationally. Recommendations from “Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019”recognised a need to establish or redirect services to address effectively the common rehabilitation goals of all cardiovascular patients. Increasing participation in chronic disease self-management programmes is central to Sláintecare.

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 and includes Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes.

Substantial progress has been made on the National Review of Cardiac Services since the Steering Group reconvened in September 2021 and it is currently in its concluding stages. The final Steering Group meeting was held in October and recommendations are finalised. The National Review Report is being prepared for the Ministers consideration at this time.