Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 November 2016
128. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a progress report on the improvements announced to the cardiac care unit in Waterford University Hospital; the new measures that have been implemented since the completion of the recent review of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37792/16]
View answerAs 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.
Dr. Herity has made clear recommendations that a second cardiac cath lab at UHW is not justified. However, he 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, the detail of which will be set out in the HSE National Service Plan 2017 which will be published this month.
I have asked that the situation be closely monitored during this period of investment and enhancement of services, so that we will be in a position to assess the impact of the improvements on the volume of patients attending the Waterford cath lab.
Dr. Herity also recommends that some services be provided elsewhere. 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 this recommendation by undertaking a national review of all primary PCI services, with the aim to ensure that as many patients as possible have access on 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.
