I propose to take Questions Nos. 373, 436 to 440 and 442 to 448, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Programme for a Partnership Government committed to the development of a second Cath Lab in University Hospital Waterford, (UHW) subject to a favourable recommendation from an independent clinical review of the needs of the region. The review was undertaken by Dr Niall Herity, a highly respected, Belfast based NHS cardiologist. It is a comprehensive report which reflects the fact that Dr Herity consulted widely and met with all of the key stakeholders including the management and staff of both UHW and Cork University Hospital.
Dr Herity has made clear recommendations that a second cardiac cath lab at UHW is not justified and I accept this. However, he also recommends investing in UHW to enhance the existing cardiology services including increasing the number of weekly sessions currently provided, in order to address waiting times and to provide improved access for patients. He also recommends that new specialist equipment be provided to improve contingency for radiological equipment failure during a procedure. I am happy to provide the additional resources necessary to implement these recommendations. This investment will be reflected in the HSE National Service Plan for 2017.
Dr Herity also recommends that some services be provided elsewhere. However, in order to do this a number of operational processes will have to first be embedded. I want to be certain that any change to how a service is delivered will result in improved services for the patients using that service. Therefore, I have asked my Department to address the implications of ceasing primary PCI services at UHW by undertaking a national review of all primary PCI services with the aim to ensure that as many patients as possible have access to a 24/7 basis to safe and sustainable emergency interventions following a heart attack. I expect the review to be completed by the end of July 2017.
The Report on the Establishment of Hospital Groups notes that UHW should continue to provide invasive cardiology services for the population of the South East in collaboration with the cardiology service in Cork. The patient flow analysis detailed in Dr Herity's report provides evidence that the Cath Lab in UHW is currently providing services to the population of the South East and, in particular, to residents of counties Wexford, Waterford and South Tipperary. Implementation of Dr Herity's report will provide improved cardiology services for the South East and will strengthen links between clinicians in UHW and Cork University Hospital.
I intend to visit UHW next month and I will take the opportunity to speak with staff and management on a broad range of issues.
