Calabria cardiology directors defend new hemodynamics service model

Cardiology directors in the Calabria region have issued a joint statement to clarify a new organizational model for hemodynamics services, following local controversy. The directors assert that no hemodynamics units have been closed or suppressed. They state that the distribution of 24-hour emergency centers complies with national standards (DM 70/2015) based on population and activity volumes, rather than political decisions.

Under the new model, emergency care for acute myocardial infarction remains unchanged, utilizing the 118 emergency network, helicopter rescue, and telecardiology. For non-urgent, scheduled procedures such as coronary angiographies, the model shifts toward bringing specialists to the patient; instead of transferring patients from peripheral 'Spoke' hospitals to central 'Hub' hospitals, specialist teams from the Hub will travel to the Spoke facilities.

Conversely, the Mayor of Corigliano-Rossano, Flavio Stasi, has contested these claims, arguing that hemodynamics services have effectively been cancelled in four territories: Paola, Lamezia Terme, Vibo Valentia, and Corigliano-Rossano. Stasi criticizes the regional government's decision to realign regional decrees with 2015 national regulations, suggesting the move removes life-saving services previously promised in earlier decrees.