“As a GP, I know only too well the importance of supporting people with chronic diseases. This programme provides better healthcare outcomes for patients and allows them to become active partners in their own healthcare,” according to Dr Joe Gallagher, ICGP (Irish College of General Practitioners) Clinical Lead for Cardiovascular Disease.

Speaking about the HSE Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme, Dr Gallagher said the programme “supports GPs to identify and manage patients who are at risk of chronic disease or who have been diagnosed with one or more specified chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular disease or type 2 diabetes. It focuses on prevention, patient empowerment, early diagnosis and intervention, along with the provision of care as close to patients’ homes as possible.”

According to Dr Colm Henry, HSE Chief Clinical Officer, the programme is an example of the HSE’s “commitment to enhancing healthcare in the community and bringing care closer to where people live. As the programme is rolled out and fully implemented over time, it is envisaged that it will result in a reduction in hospital attendance by patients with the four conditions.”

For Alan Corrigan, participation in the programme has been beneficial after a stroke almost six years ago.  A patient of Dr Gallagher’s, Alan explains how his stroke was diagnosed following a visit to University Hospital Waterford: “I was watching television one evening and the colour seemed to go all funny on it. I wasn’t right for a couple of days so I went to the optician to get my eyes tested. He told me he didn’t like the look of my left eye and advised me to go to Waterford Hospital for a check-up. I went that same day and was diagnosed with having had a minor stroke.”

Alan explains that as part of the programme, he now attends locally on an agreed timeframe:

“I come in to see Denise, the Practice Nurse, and she takes my bloods and my blood pressure. I find it very beneficial because I know I am getting this review done every six months.  It’s great to have that interaction and know that you are being looked after. It puts your mind at ease.”