Nolan calls for cardiovascular disease supports

Independent TD for Laois Offaly Carol Nolan has said that there is an urgent need for greater investment in medical and psychological support services for persons experiencing cardiovascular disease.

Deputy Nolan was speaking following a presentation to TDs and Senators from the Irish Heart Foundation that revealed an estimated 18,641 people are living with heart disease within the constituency.

“The information provided to me and other Oireachtas members makes for very stark reading,” Deputy Nolan said.

“I was particularly struck by the amount of people (74%) who have experienced either heart failure of some other kind of cardiovascular disease who have said that their psychological support needs are not being met.”

“The Irish Heart Foundation also informed us that half of the people it surveyed are failing to get the cardiac rehabilitation they need. That is totally unacceptable in a health service that receives €20 billion in annual funding.”

“What I am saying quite clearly is that I will be strongly advocating for the people of Laois Offaly on this issue so that there is proper investment in the kind of practical and social supports, as well as referral pathways that are needed to improve physical and mental health of patients. This is also an issue that must be given priority at the national level, as I understand from the IHF that there are 100,000 outpatient appointments per year with average wait times of 6-9/12 months.”