Taoiseach Micheál Martin ‘determined’ to deliver 24/7 cardiac care for Waterford

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is still “determined” to deliver 24/7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford, the Dáil has heard.

Waterford Sinn Féin TD David Cullinane requested an update on the hospital’s cardiac care unit during a recent ‘Taoiseach's Questions’ session.

However, he first cited a number of projects that he believes also need to be completed.

Deputy Cullinane said: “The Taoiseach mentioned the HSE capital plan announced earlier. I welcome the €50 million for the surgical hub adjacent to University Hospital Waterford.

“However, there is also a need for a new adult mental health unit in Waterford, a multi-storey car park at the regional hospital and a new medical school in South East Technological University, SETU.

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“Unfortunately, plans for a primary care centre in Lismore have been put on hold.”

He then went on to highlight the lack of 24/7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford and requested an update.

“I also want to ask the Taoiseach about the need for 24/7 cardiac care, specialist care and emergency care. This is a long-running campaign.

“The Minister for Health announced last year that the Government was committed to it. Where is it? How long will it take? What is the timescale?

“What additional staff are needed to scale up to get there? We cannot have announcement after announcement, but still have no sense as to when that will be delivered.”

In response to Deputy Cullinane, the Taoiseach said: “I thank Deputy Cullinane for welcoming the €50 million for the surgical hub.

“He followed that up with a list of about four other projects that need to be completed as well. I appreciate that he will be pursuing and advocating on behalf of them.

“On the 24/7 cardiac care, I will have to go back with the Minister. The commitment is there. I remember it going through Cabinet last year.”

Deputy Martin continued by reiterating his and the Government’s commitment to providing the service at the hospital.

“We were told by clinicians for a long time and all the expert groups that it could not be done. Now it can be done, following the reviews, and I am determined that we pursue it and fulfil it.

“There has been progress made in terms of extension of the cover and all that. The commitment has been made and we will pursue that.”
While the Taoiseach did not provide a definite timeline, Waterford TD and Minister of State John Cummins said in January that the Government is aiming to have the service in place by the end of June.

Last year, €611,000 in funding was provided for the recruitment of additional staff at the hospital.

The aim is to have six interventional cardiologists in place come June, paving the way for the hospital to transition to 24/7 cardiac care.