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Dáil
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University Hospital Kerry cardiology

Summary

Deputy Healy-Rae warned of serious staffing and service pressures in University Hospital Kerry, especially in cardiology, geriatric and respiratory care. The Tánaiste said he expected any departing cardiologist to be replaced quickly and would ask the Health Minister to respond directly.

There is a very serious situation in University Hospital Kerry. I refer to the commitments in the programme for Government on health care. I wish to highlight the situation with regard to a very respected, highly regarded cardiologist working in the hospital whose time is now, unfortunately, coming to an end, which will be a massive loss to the hospital. What commitment will the HSE south give to the hospital in Kerry on cardiology, geriatric or respiratory issues? We are in a dire way in those three health care categories. We cannot allow a situation whereby the excellent service that was being given by the cardiologist will no longer be available. Acute patients on wards need treatment every day. Multiple clinics are being held every week and people are being referred to Limerick for angiograms. What will happen if the cardiologist who has given excellent care is now going to be taken away from the hospital? What commitments will the Government give to the future of University Hospital Kerry?

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Deputy Healy-Rae is over time.

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We do not want to be the poor relation to Cork in this regard.

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Other people will not get in.

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Simon Coveney The Tánaiste Fine Gael

I can only assume that if a cardiologist is leaving, he or she will be replaced quickly and that the process will get under way. I will ask the Minister for Health to get back to Deputy Healy-Rae with a specific answer.

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