HSE West and North West Announces Major Expansion of Cardiac Rehabilitation Services Under National Cardiovascular Plan 2025

HSE West and North West is pleased to announce a significant new development in cardiac rehabilitation services as part of the National Cardiovascular Plan 2025. This initiative marks a major investment in the health and well-being of patients across the Galway-Roscommon and Mayo Regional Health Areas (RHAs).

As part of the implementation of the Integrated Model of Care for Cardiac Rehabilitation, funding has been allocated for 13 whole-time equivalent (WTE) positions.  These positions will span key disciplines including nursing, physiotherapy, dietetics, psychology, and administrative support, ensuring a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to cardiac rehabilitation.

This enhanced programme will be delivered through a coordinated model of care, integrating both hospital and community services under a single governance structure.  The end goal is to provide a fully connected, end-to-end cardiac rehabilitation pathway for patients across the region and to:

• Reduce waiting times for cardiac rehabilitation
• Improve patient access and experience
• Deliver better long-term health outcomes

The launch of this integrated service model represents a key milestone in the delivery of the National Cardiovascular Plan 2025, and reflects the HSE’s commitment to high-quality, accessible, and patient-centred care.

Dr Susan Connolly, Consultant Cardiologist at Galway University Hospitals and Galway City Integrated Care Hub, and Clinical Lead for the initiative, commented, “Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) is a life-saving treatment for patients recovering from cardiovascular events whilst also improving quality of life and reducing the risk of future hospital admissions. This investment will be transformative in how we deliver CR across the region.”

Dr Sarah O’Brien, National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead (NCAGL) Office of the NCAGL for Chronic Disease commented, “Expanding access to cardiac rehabilitation services as part of a strengthened preventative approach to cardiovascular disease is a key component of the National Review of Cardiac Services. Expansion of cardiac rehabilitation services in the region will ensure timely and equitable access to this critical service to empower individuals to take positive action to look after their cardiovascular health.”

Patient Denis Goggin welcomed the initiative, saying, “As someone who has directly benefited from cardiac rehabilitation, I know how vital these services are. Expanding and improving access means more patients will get the support they need to recover and stay well.”

“I felt very privileged and grateful to be invited onto the programme — not only for its valuable content, but also for the sense of continuity it gave me in maintaining a healthier lifestyle."

Ann Cosgrove, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Galway and Roscommon said, “This initiative reflects the HSE’s commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible, and person-centred care. It also strengthens regional collaboration and brings us closer to achieving the goals of the National Cardiovascular Plan 2025.”

Mary Warde, Integrated Healthcare Area Manager for Mayo added, “This is a major step forward for cardiac care in Mayo and beyond. By enhancing local service capacity and improving integration between hospital and community care, we are helping patients access timely, effective rehabilitation closer to home.”