An Independent TD wants the lab at University Hospital Waterford to analyse coronavirus tests for nursing homes in the region.
Matt Shanahan says the delay in receiving results is having a huge impact.
He told the Dail that 66 private and voluntary nursing homes in the South East have 3 thousand beds and employ 3,600 staff.
"Primary issues in this health emergency are the supply of PPE, the retention of staff - and most acutely in the south-east nursing home sector - the extended delay in returning COVID-19 tests. This is placing inordinate pressure on managing patient isolation and staff well-being.
"Testing delays are contributing to the loss of healthcare personnel, who must self-isolate while they await confirmation of possible COVID-19 infection."
Deputy Shanahan proposed a solution to the testing delay
"The regional pathology laboratory for the south-east at University Hospital Waterford provides all microbial testing for the south-east region's hospitals.
"In addition, it provides 24-hour turnaround COVID-19 tests for hospital inpatients and staff on site.
"I ask the Minister to resource and direct University Hospital Waterford laboratory to undertake testing of all nursing home swabs in the region.
"This would immediately and dramatically improve turnaround times and offer significant relief to nursing home managers and caregivers."
