Sinn Fein Leader Mary Lou McDonald has vowed to deliver 24/7 cardiac care for Waterford if the party enter government following the next general election.
Deputy McDonald was in Waterford yesterday as part of the party's launch event for their European Parliament and Local Election candidates.
Among a series of prior engagements, the Sinn Fein leader visited Waterford Port and St. Francis' Court.
Speaking to WLR, Deputy McDonald vowed that if Sinn Fein are in government - 24/7 cardiac care for Waterford will be established as soon as is possible.
"If we are in government, we promise and vow to provide healthcare to people in the places that they need it - and in a timely fashion. David Cullinane is our Health Spokesperson, he is carrying that portfolio - and we have heard what I would only describe as some horror stories, right across the State."
Extensions to the current cardiac services in University Hospital Waterford in the Cath Lab were confirmed in March.
Waterford Fianna Fail TD and Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, Mary Butler confirmed the allocation of an additional 19 new staff earmarked for the Cath Lab.
It is anticipated that the additional staff will allow for 8 to 8 cardiac care seven days a week.
Provision has been made for posts including a cardiac psychology senior post, clerical officer, clinical nurse manager, consultant cardiologist, staff nurses, and consultant radiologist, and a porter.
The planned operating hours are 7 days a week, from 8am until 8pm.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly TD must officially sign off on the allocation before any expansion to services.
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