Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 7 November 2024
504. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the National Stroke Strategy; the level of funding that has been provided to the strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45895/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027 aims to modernise and reform stroke services in line with Sláintecare policy and address the challenges facing Ireland from population ageing and the predicted increase in the total number of strokes right across Europe, including Ireland. The strategy provides a blueprint for required investment in stroke services over the five-year period from 2022-2027 and is based on a required overall investment of approximately €36m.
The government is fully committed to supporting improvements and advances in stroke services. Prior to Budget 2025, a total of €7.3m has been allocated to fund the HSE National Stroke Strategy which was allocated for the extension of the GP contract to cover opportunistic screening of High blood pressure in over 18- year-olds with a medical or GP visit card.
Separately, approval in 2023 enabled 11.5 WTEs to be progress through recruitment to support the implementation of the strategy.
In Budget 2025 I secured €5.0m for the HSE National Stroke Strategy bringing the total funding allocated to date to €12.3m. This new funding will support the expansion of early supported discharge teams and access to acute stroke units to support stroke services through the provision of additional consultants, psychologists and a range of health and social care professionals.
I remain fully committed to supporting this key clinical strategy. My officials are working closely with the HSE to ensure its successful implementation to prevent new cases of stroke and improve outcomes for those who experience a stroke.
