We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Questions on Promised Legislation

Waterford cath lab review

Summary

Deputy Cullinane sought an update on the promised second cath lab for Waterford and the national review. The Taoiseach said the Minister for Health was better placed to answer, but noted the mobile cath lab and said its impact would matter.

As the Taoiseach knows, the programme for Government committed to a second cath lab at University Hospital Waterford, subject to an independent review. That review took place. Unfortunately, it was not favourable. Just before the summer recess, all of the Waterford Oireachtas Members met the Minister for Health, who committed to a national review. He also stated that he would expedite that review, that it would be underpinned by an international independent person of standing and have other members as well, and that he would revert to us with a timeframe and clear terms of reference. That has not happened.

I do not know whether the Taoiseach has this information at his disposal, but will he confirm when the review will take place, whether the terms of reference are in place and has the work on finding someone of international standing who can carry out this review been done? Will the Taoiseach outline to the House the timeframe? This is an important issue to people in the south east who are without emergency cardiac care on a 23-7 basis.

Comment on this
Leo Varadkar The Taoiseach Fine Gael

Again, I think that this question would be better answered by the Minister for Health because I may not have the most up-to-date information. I understand that a mobile cath lab is now in place in Waterford. I will be interested to see in the coming months the impact that that has on wait times for patients. If it has reduced wait times for patients, I think that strengthens the case for having a permanent second cath lab in the hospital.

Comment on this