Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent)
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752. To ask the Minister for Health if the discontinuation of the Heartwatch scheme will be reviewed as soon as possible (details supplied). [9641/25]

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)
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The Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme has been implemented in phases since 2020. This innovative Programme establishes a structured engagement process between GPs and their GMS patients living with four conditions: Asthma; COPD; Type 2 Diabetes; and chronic heart diseases.

The CDM Programme has been very successful in aiding patients living with these conditions to improve how they manage their healthcare needs, with significant reductions in ED and other urgent care services, and significant reductions in hospital admissions among those registered on the programme.

All patients registered on the Heartwatch programme at the time of the introduction of the CDM Programme were transferred to the CDM Programme, regardless of eligibility status.

While the Government constantly reviews the range of programmes it implements, I would draw the Deputy's attention to the commitment in the Programme for Government 'to build on the existing National Cardiovascular Policy, .... develop a new and more ambitious plan enhancing patient care and timely access across all regions.' Future policy will consider primary and secondary prevention in addition to acute care and rehabilitation including cardiovascular services in primary care.