Statement in respect of a second Cath Lab for UHW

Responding to the announcement by Minister for Health Simon Harris that a second permanent cath lab is to be provided on the grounds of University Hospital Waterford, Gerald Hurley, CEO of Waterford Chamber said: “We welcome the decision by Government to provide a second Cath Lab for UHW and welcome the fact that the process to design and construct the new lab is to start immediately, with the recruitment of staff due to take place during construction.

“However, it is still a long way from providing 24/7 Cardiac Care for the South East Region. The time line of 12 to 16 months still leaves a considerable amount of time where we are faced with life and death situations on a daily basis. We are also concerned that no decision or service budget plan has been included in the announcement that would provide a much-needed interventional service.

“As the Capital of the South East, Waterford needs to have the proper health care facilities to cater for the 500,000+ catchment area, so while this is one small step forward, there is certainly a long road still to travel to secure what is required. We will continue to work on behalf of our members and the business community in Waterford to ensure 24/7 Cardiac Care remains firmly on the agenda, irrespective of the latest announcement.”