Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 18 September 2018
496. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position relating to the mobile laboratory situated at University Hospital Waterford which was swapped out on 17 August 2018 for servicing; the capabilities of the mobile laboratory; if it can perform diagnostic work in addition to intervention; and when this service will be available to persons in County Waterford and the south east. [37447/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra497. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position regarding plans to have a modular catheterisation laboratory installed at University Hospital Waterford; the status of the design work, planning, procurement and regulations; the expected date for this laboratory to be on site; and his plans to recruit the appropriate medical staff to service this unit. [37448/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 496 and 497 together.
A mobile cath lab has been deployed at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) since October 2017 to conduct diagnostic cardiac procedures. Last month, it was replaced by the provider with a relocatable cath lab, operating on the same basis as the mobile cath lab, i.e., it is managed by three diagnostic cardiologists, operates Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and carries out diagnostic cardiology procedures only.
I am eager that a cath lab capable of undertaking interventional procedures is operational in UHW in order to address waiting times at the hospital and provide a better service for the people of Waterford and the South East. Interventional procedures can be provided in both relocatable and modular cath labs where additional facilities and staff are available.
The contractual arrangements currently in place at UHW are for the provision of a unit capable of carrying out diagnostic cardiac procedures only.
In order to comply with public procurement guidelines, the procurement of a cath lab for UHW that is capable of undertaking interventional procedures must be carried out through a new procurement process rather than through an extension of the current contract.
All options for the provision of interventional procedures will be considered, taking into account timescales for delivery, cost and the additional staff and facilities required. The HSE has submitted its proposed new service developments for 2019 to the Department and the estimated cost of providing interventional procedures in a relocatable or modular cath lab is being considered as part of the 2019 estimates and capital planning processes.
As set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, investment in cardiac cath labs and other cardiac services infrastructure nationally will be informed by the outcome of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services, which is expected to be complete by June 2019.
In the meantime, the relocatable lab remains on site and the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services continues to progress.
