Marc MacSharry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fianna Fail)
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328. To ask the Minister for Health given the expiry of the National Cardiovascular Health Strategy; ‘Changing Cardiovascular Health Policy’ four years ago, when is it proposed that the Government will publish a new National Cardiovascular Strategy. [12057/23]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland has a strong track record in leading Europe and the world with policies to tackle cardiovascular disease (CVD). There is evidence that our strategies are working. We are achieving a reduction in hospital admissions for heart attack as well as a reduction in stroke mortality in Ireland. The recently published Irish National Audit of Stroke (INAS) on 31st January 2023 indicates that the mortality rate for ischaemic stroke had decreased by 29% during the period reviewed 2013 to 2022. The Sláintecare Programme is driving new investments in CVD prevention and management for people who have suffered a heart attack or stroke.

The HSE National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027 represents the single greatest investment in stroke services since the launch of the National Clinical Programme for Stroke in 2010. This strategy will assist in addressing the challenge faced in Ireland with the predicted increase in the total number of strokes in Europe, an ageing demography and the rapidly changing milieu of acute stroke treatment.

Recognising National CVD strategies were in place from 1999 to 2019 a National Review of Cardiac Services was undertaken.

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 recommend configuration for a national adult cardiac service to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive. 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 considers CVD preventive strategies.

Substantial progress has been made on the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services and it recently held the final NRCS Steering Group meeting IN Q4 2022. The NRCS Report is finalised and due to be presented to the Minister in Q1, 2023.