Waterford Sinn Féin TD Waterford David Cullinane has given a cautious welcome to clarification from the Health Minister on the provision of a second Cath Lab for Waterford.
Speaking at the Joint Oireacthas Committee on Health, Minister Harris said he is committed to the second permanent Lab for UHW and that it will be delivered as quickly as possible
The HSE also confirmed that a design team will be appointed shortly to commence the process of formally delivering the project.
Deputy Cullinane said he welcomes the confirmation, but that now is the time for progress.
“On Monday next Oireachtas members will meet with the South/South West Hospital Group and the Cardiac team at the UHW. We need clear, definitive timelines on when precisely this project will commence and finish.
“We cannot accept any more fudge, dithering or obfuscation. I will continue to put pressure on the Minister, the Department, the HSE and the Hospital Group until this project is completed and the second Lab is opened and operational.
“It is also important to point out that the second Lab must be capable of doing both diagnostic and interventional work and lead to the delivery of 24/7 emergency cardiac care at UHW. The people of Waterford and the Southeast deserve nothing less.”
