There’s still no update as to when we might see an expansion of cardiac care services in the South East.
The region’s the only one in the country limited to a 12 hour a day, Monday to Friday, offering and, after a second cath lab was set up at University Hospital Waterford, the hope was that that weekends would be included as an interim step before achieving a round-the-clock provision there.
Independent TD Matt Shanahan earlier this week on KCLR outlined how nothing will happen until a National Review is published.
And when contacted by us, the Department of Health in a statement noted that the review is being considered by the Minister for Health and its recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally.
Here’s their statement in full:
“The Programme for Government committed to the delivery of a second Cath Lab in University Hospital Waterford (UHW) and resources were provided to support 24 WTEs (whole-time equivalents)
In Sept 2022 the opening hours for the existing Cath Lab were extended to 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).
In September 2023 the second Cath Lab opened and operates 5 days per week Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm.
A business case for the additional staff required to extend emergency cardiac services over 7 days has been submitted to the South/South-West Hospital Group and is currently under consideration.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has advised that future cardiac developments at the hospital will be guided by the findings and recommendations of an independent National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.
The aim of the Review is to recommend the configuration of national adult cardiac services to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on safety, quality and sustainability.
The Review, which covers scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults, includes data from UHW.
The review is currently being considered by the Minister for Health. Its recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally.”
