Joint Committee on Health to discuss issues and challenges within cardiology and then separately staffing levels in the HSE

 “Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Seán Crowe said “The Committee welcomes representatives from the Irish Cardiac Society to tomorrow’s meeting to discuss the challenges within cardiology services in the Irish health system, which includes the need for a national cardiovascular strategic plan.

“We will, separately, also discuss staffing levels with Fórsa. Following on from our recent meeting with the INMO and SIPTU, we will continue our engagement on what can be implemented to alleviate the pressures on the staff and patients of the health system. As we approach the peak season when our public hospital system is faced with severe pressures, our health system is continues to face overcrowding and long waiting times in emergency departments, as well as bed shortages and delayed admissions.

“The Committee looks forward to hearing from both the Irish Cardiac Society and Fórsa on what measures they believe can be put in place to address the on-going difficulties in in order to bring improvement to the service available to members of the public as well as in the working environment of personnel.”

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas TV.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.