Sligo PCI access
Deputy McLoughlin pressed for access to primary PCI care in the north-west after Waterford was approved for a second cath lab. The Minister of State said he would convey the issue to the Minister and seek an update.
My question is for the Minister for Health. Given the decision last night to allow Waterford University Hospital to develop a second fixed cardio catheterisation lab - a decision taken outside of the national review of specialist services - I have been lobbying for the Minister to explain why the people of Sligo and the north west continue to have to wait for access to primary percutaneous coronary intervention, PCI, care. There is a huge area in the north west that is not serviced by a catheterisation lab. When I heard my colleague, Senator Paudie Coffey, announcing a second one for Waterford last night, I felt it was vitally important that I lobby on this issue this morning. I request that the issue be brought to the attention of the Minister for Health.
Comment on this
I thank the Deputy. I will convey the issue he raises directly to the Minister and get an update for him. I appreciate the Deputy's concern on the matter. It is a very reasonable request.