A new community-based service for people in Galway with heart failure has led to a reduction in waiting lists from up to 33 weeks to just six weeks.

The service, which provides heart failure diagnostics and care in the community, is run by Galway University Hospital, along with primary care centres in Tuam, Gort, Claremorris and Galway city.

GPs can refer people with suspected heart failure directly to the service for tests and diagnosis. This makes it easier for patients to access routine care related to their heart condition closer to their home, avoiding hospital visits unless absolutely necessary.

As a result, pressure on hospital services, such as the Emergency Department and outpatient cardiology, has been reduced.

Recent results from the service show that:

-Over 1,000 patients have received diagnostic tests through the service and 88% of these were referred by their GP

-89% of patients received tests within six weeks of their initial referral

-55% were given appointments in two weeks or less.

Waiting times for the hospital service are up to 33 weeks.

The service, which is funded by Sláintecare, currently operates from five clinics in Tuam, Claremorris, Gort and two in Galway city. These sites are reachable by staff within 45 minutes, maximising the number of diagnostic slots available. The service currently provides direct access for GPs to 40 diagnostic slots per week.