'Cardiac investigations' department at Portiuncula gets top European accreditation

Portiuncula University Hospital has been awarded European accreditation for its Echocardiography - or cardiac ultrasound - department.

The department in the Ballinasloe hospital was accredited by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) following a process of quality standards and improvements.

Portiuncula's cardiac investigations section provides a variety of non-invasive tests such as ECG, blood pressure, cardiac rhythm monitoring, exercise stress tests and echocardiography.

Last year the department carried out 3,200 echocardiograms; a type of ultrasound for the heart used to aid in the diagnosis of a variety of cardiac disorders and to assess treatments for heart conditions.

The European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI) established a European Echocardiogram standard in laboratory practices and patient care.

The aim of laboratory accreditation is to raise quality standards of practice and equipment across Europe in a uniform manner. It is also designed to be used as an educational tool to improve the overall quality of cardiac Investigation departments.

Portiuncula University Hospital is now the third hospital in Ireland to be accredited by the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging.

"I am delighted and extremely proud of our team here in the Cardiac Investigations Department for having achieved such a highly-regarded, world-recognised accreditation," said Claire McDermott, Chief II Cardiac Physiologist.

"We now have certification for five years, which would not have been possible without the commitment and dedication of such a fantastic team.

"It is an exciting time for our department as we continue to focus on quality improvement, embrace new methods of working, new technology, and more integration to ensure we continue to provide our patients with the utmost care,” she added.

Professor Aidan Flynn, Consultant Cardiologist, said: "This accreditation gives great confidence to patients knowing they are attending a department that is performing their echocardiograms to the highest standards.

"It also demonstrates our commitment to lifelong learning and knowledge expansion. The team's dedication to improving our service delivery has been incredible, and we are now lucky enough to be using the most advanced state-of-the-art echocardiography technology in our department."

Dr Núria Farre, Consultant Cardiologist, concluded, "I would like to acknowledge the work and commitment of the echocardiogram team. This honour recognises their skills while also reflecting the hospital's and the Cardiac Investigation Department's dedication to provide the best possible care to patients."