Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 February 2026
485. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the plans which have been established to fund the implementation of the National Review of Cardiac Services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15692/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services (NRCS) was published in April 2025. The NRCS provides a detailed, evidence-driven analysis of cardiac services across the Country. The Review is evidence based and consulted with a wide range of stakeholders and sets out a comprehensive road map for cardiac services development and reform.
Recent trends in the demand for cardiac services reflect changes in population health. Significantly, the demand for emergency cardiac interventions is declining, and the need for non-acute services (e.g., those with chronic cardiac disease and/or CVD risk factors) is increasing.
Following publication of the National Review of Cardiac Services (NRCS), the HSE’s National Heart Programme (NHP) developed a three-year implementation plan. I welcome the proposed implementation plan and understand the NHP is actively engaging with regional partners to secure funding to support the implementation of recommendations in 2026.
In addition new service development funding was allocated in 2025 to develop cardiology services across five priority areas. These priorities are in line with the actions in the HSE three-year implementation plan and work in this regard is on-going:
o Cardiac Imaging Regional CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) services: as the first step in the roll out of the agreed national cardiac imaging service model, recruitment is progressing in 4 pilot sites.
o National Cardiovascular Data Registry: Development of a national cardiovascular disease registry (Euroheart) is underway, with platform software implementation due to commence in the coming weeks, followed by a proof of concept project in one region and national site assessment prior to a national roll-out. The HSE’s Office of the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) is currently working with the NHP and Irish Cardiac Society to establish a governance structure to oversee the development of Euroheart.
o Cardiac Rehabilitation: As part of the NRCS implementation prioritisation, funding was provided through the HSE National Service Plan 2025 to support the project, implementation and evaluation of the MoC CR.
o NHP Structures and Governance: The Office of the CCO is working closely with the NHP to strengthen its structures and governance, as recommended by the NRCS. This includes provision of additional resources to the NHP core team as well as strengthened reporting relationships within the Office of the CCO. This will provide a national framework within which cardiology services are designed, enabled, monitored, and evaluated.
o Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) Service: funding was allocated for the appointment of an Interventional Cardiologist in HSE SW (CUH) to sustain existing PPCI services.
As outlined in the HSE National Service Plan 2026, a key priority action for the HSE is to progress the implementation of the National Review of Cardiac Services 2023, including the strengthening and expansion of Cardiac Rehabilitation services.
