Publication

National Review of Adult Specialist Cardiac Services in Ireland

From: Department of Health
Published on: 8 April 2025
Last updated on: 8 April 2025

Introduction
Steering Group Membership
National Review of adult Specialist Cardiac Services in Ireland
Further Information

Introduction

The Steering Group for the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services was chaired by Professor Philip Nolan.

The aim of the review was to examine the evidence to arrive at a series of recommendations that would support services delivering optimal patient outcomes. It had a particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive.

In terms of scope, the National Review will cover scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults.

The National Review will conduct its business by:

Generating key questions on which rigorous systematic reviews of the evidence was undertaken using internationally recognised methodology
Consulting with the public and relevant stakeholders – including a call for submissions
Identifying international best practice
Carrying out a number of site visits
Analysing data on existing services and populations

In addition, an International Reference Panel comprised of international experts was formed to provide an independent peer review. These measures, taken with the relevant professional and patient input, were designed to ensure that the National Review was comprehensive and of the highest quality standard.

Read more in the Steering Group's Modus Operandi, Conflict of Interest Policy and Terms of Reference.

Steering Group Membership

The Steering Group is comprised of 15 members (in addition to the Chair), consisting of patients, relevant health professionals, senior HSE management and senior departmental officials. Collectively, the Group has expertise in clinical provision, service management, service policy, clinical effectiveness and patient safety, public health and patient experience.

Member	Position	Nominating Organisation
Dr James Crowley	Incoming President, Irish Cardiac Society	Irish Cardiac Society
Dr Geraldine McMahon	Consultant, St James' Hospital, Dublin	Irish Association of Emergency Medicine
Mr Jim McCarthy	Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Mater Hospital, Dublin	Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
Dr Peter Wright	Director of Public Health, North-West	Royal College of Physicians in Ireland
Ms Sharon Donohue	Cardiac Physiologist, St. Vincent's Hospital	Irish Institute of Clinical Measurement Science
Ms Tanya King	Director of Nursing, Mater Hospital	Irish Association of Directors of Nursing and Midwifery
Dr Brendan McAdam	Consultant Cardiologist, Beaumont Hospital	Royal College of Physicians in Ireland
Dr Ken McDonald	Clinical Lead NCP for Heart Failure	Health Service Executive
Professor Ivan Casserley	Consultant Cardiologist, Mater Hospital	Health Service Executive
Dr Pat Nash	Clinical Director, Saolta	Health Service Executive
Ms Celeste O'Callaghan	Principal Officer, Policy on Acute Hospitals, DoH	Department of Health
Dr Sinéad Donohue	Deputy Chief Medical Officer, DoH	Department of Health
Dr Kathleen Mac Lellan	Director, National Patient Safety Office, DoH	Department of Health
Ms Lucinda McNerney	Member of Sudden Cardiac Death Council	Irish Heart Foundation
Mr Frank McFall	Cardiac Transplant Patient	Irish Heart Foundation