The Model of Care for Vascular Surgery was launched at the Millin Lecture on 10th November 2023.

Pictured left to right at the Millin Lecture where the Model of Care was launched, Ms Mary Barry (Chair of the Irish Vascular Society), Professor Laura Viani (President of RCSI) and Mr Martin Feeley, NCPS Clinical Advisor for Vascular Surgery.

The Model of Care was a collaboration between the HSE and the RCSI, and outlines the service needs of the population for vascular surgery services and defines a model of care delivery that is accessible, timely and of high quality. It sets out recommendations to enable delivery of services of the highest quality over the next five to ten years. These include the resourcing of centralised services both in terms of staffing and facilities. Key to workforce expansion is the development of new nursing roles with specialist training and an extended scope of practice. 

The Model of Care also highlights the importance of establishing a National Vascular Registry to monitor and improve the quality of services and to record all implants.  It advocates for a national screening programme for abdominal aortic aneurysms in line with the UK and most European nations, as well as reinforcing some of the preventative measures that people can take to promote their vascular health such as smoking cessation, exercise and weight control. 

Mr Martin Feeley, National Clinical Advisor for Vascular Surgery (NCPS), said: “Launching this Model of Care is a milestone for vascular surgery. Irish vascular surgeons are very keen to proceed with the implementation of these recommendations. The NCPS is grateful to all those who contributed to this work and in particular to the Irish Vascular Society.”   

Pictured left to right at the Millin Lecture where the Model of Care was launched, Ms Mary Barry (Chair of the Irish Vascular Society), Mr Martin Feeley, NCPS Clinical Advisor for Vascular Surgery, and Ciara Hughes (NCPS Programme Manager).