HSE West and North West has announced a significant investment in cardiac rehabilitation services in the west of Ireland.
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.
Dr Susan Connolly is a Consultant Cardiologist at Galway University Hospitals and Galway City Integrated Care Hub, and the Clinical Lead for the initiative.
She said, “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.
She added that this investment will be “transformative” in how cardiac rehabilitation is delivered in the region.
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.”
