East Galway’s New Care Hub Transforms Cardiac Treatment Access

UPDATE: Patients in East Galway are now receiving faster, more accessible cardiac care through a newly established service that launched in April 2023. The East Galway Roscommon Integrated Care Hub has already served over 1,000 patients, providing community-based, Consultant-led care that is transforming the treatment landscape for those with heart conditions.

Led by Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Nuria Farre, the Hub operates across key locations including Ballinasloe, Tuam, Loughrea, and Mountbellew, extending its reach to Castlerea and Monksland. This initiative is designed for patients over the age of 16 who suffer from conditions such as atrial fibrillation, hypertension, and heart failure.

The Integrated Care Hub offers a Consultant and Clinical Nurse Specialist-led model, enabling rapid access to expert advice, medication management, and comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programs. One satisfied patient, Bernadette Whelan from Monivea, shared her profound gratitude, praising Dr. Farre’s team for their exceptional support during her recovery from a cardiac event last year.

“From the very first meeting, I was treated with warmth, compassion, and professionalism,” Whelan expressed. “They supported me every step of the way, even while I was on holiday.”

The Hub’s multidisciplinary team features several specialists, including an Advanced Nurse Practitioner in Heart Failure and three Clinical Nurse Specialists, working collaboratively to ensure timely patient education and support. By prioritizing patients from the Portiuncula University Hospital waiting lists, the Hub has significantly reduced delays in accessing specialist care.

With the introduction of GP referrals, patients can now receive immediate care in the community, alleviating pressure on hospitals and improving patient outcomes. Dr. Farre emphasized the transformative nature of this service:

“This is a major shift in the way healthcare services are delivered and a core component of Sláintecare; Ireland’s strategy for reforming the health and social care system.”

As the Integrated Care Hub continues to grow, it promises to enhance cardiac care dramatically for patients across East Galway. Those interested in this revolutionary service are encouraged to contact their local GP for more information on referrals.

Stay tuned for more updates as this vital healthcare development unfolds.