Heart health highlighted at Leinster House
Cavan TDs and Senators participated in vital public health support at the inaugural Oireachtas Heart and Stroke group meeting on heart failure at Leinster House last Wednesday (July 2).
Deputies Cathy Bennett, Brendan Smith and David Maxwell, along with Senators Pauline Tully and Robbie Gallagher, are backing a call for the estimated 2,190 people living with heart failure in Cavan to receive greater access to cardiac rehabilitation, psychological support and help to ease financial hardship caused by the condition.
Members of the group, set up by the Irish Heart Foundation, heard from patient champions and heart failure patients including Monaghan woman Teresa O’Hanlon; Professor Emer Joyce, Consultant Heart Function and Transplant Cardiologist at The Mater Hospital; Dr Eamonn O’Shea, GP, HSE/ICGP Integrated Care GP Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular issues with the Irish College of General Practitioners and the Foundation’s Director of Advocacy and Patient Support, Chris Macey.
They spoke about Ireland’s rapidly growing cardiac condition, a chronic disease that occurs when the heart muscle doesn't pump blood as well as it should, and the disabilities and challenges faced by the estimated 137,000 people living with heart failure in Ireland.
“The HSE has estimated that 30 per cent of heart failure patients are back in hospital within 90 days of discharge,” said Mr Macey.
“Half of all admissions are due to poor self-care and are therefore largely preventable.
“Heart failure patients, along with others living with heart disease and stroke, need more help to address the psychological impact of their condition, financial hardship that can result and gain greater access to rehabilitation services," he said.
“The purpose of this new group is to ensure that services and supports for people affected by cardiovascular disease are prioritised in Cavan and across the country.”
Meanwhile, speaking on the day Minister Niamh Smyth said it was "lovely" to see all the patient champions from right across the country dressed in red and advocating for the supports needed for the IHF. "Well done to you all on a successful event and I was delighted to be able to meet and speak with local Monaghan woman Teresa O’Hanlon on these matters.”