Hospital Services

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 January 2017

Thursday, 26 January 2017

Ceisteanna (161)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

161. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if the mobile catheterisation laboratory announced for Waterford University Hospital will be made available exclusively for the use of this hospital; if it will be primarily utilised for reducing waiting lists or conducting emergency procedures; if it will be available to the communities of the south east on a 24-7 basis; the number of persons for whom it is estimated a mobile catheterisation laboratory can cater on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3665/17]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Budget 2017 makes specific provision for those patients waiting longest for treatment within the health service. In this context, I am considering a national cardiology waiting list initiative which will address waiting times for cardiology treatments in a number of hospitals, including University Hospital Waterford (UHW). A range of measures are envisaged including sharing of facilities and resources within and between Hospital Groups, use of private facilities and the deployment of a mobile cath lab. I have written to the Director General of the HSE about the proposed initiative and I expect that further details will be made available in the coming weeks.