Waterford Minister of State John Halligan says the latest HSE Capital Plan copper fastens the funding for a number of healthcare projects in Waterford.

They include the provision of a second Cath Lab at University Hospital Waterford where a team is currently working on the design.

A contract is expected to be awarded by the end of October for a new mortuary with construction starting before the end of the year.

John Halligan says more detail is needed on the funding for the development of the new block at UHW including the new palliative care unit.

“In particular, I’m glad to see the delivery of the second catheterisation lab for UHW, which is currently in the design phase, stated within the Plan. It shows that the government is taking the people of Waterford and the South East’s demands for improved cardiac services seriously.

“I’m also thrilled to announce the provision of a new mortuary and am looking forward to seeing construction begin at the hospital grounds before the end of the year.

“I commend the government for delivering on these key pieces of infrastructure, as well as investing in Waterford’s community nursing units and I will be monitoring developments closely.”

Opposition reaction

However, Sinn Fein Deputy David Cullinane says the plan is a mixture of new and existing commitments for Waterford and the South East.

He welcomed the commitment to a new day care cataract unit which he says will increase capacity in ophthalmology and reduce wait times in this area.

“I welcome the publication of the HSE Capital Plan. It is long overdue and will provide some certainty relating to a number of health projects for Waterford.

“However the commitments for Waterford and the Southeast are largely a restatement of previous commitments. Progression of the second Cath Lab and funding for the new mortuary were announced months ago and there is little additionally in the capital plan. However, these are vital projects and I look forward to them progressing and being delivered as quickly as possible.

“I am delighted to see the inclusion of a new day care cataract unit in the plan. This is something I have campaigned for and have lobbied the Minister for Health and the HSE. This unit will not only see more cataract treatment done at UHW but will free up theatre space for other medical procedures.

“It seems the announcement of funding for community nursing home beds is again a restatement of existing commitments. We will need to tease what additionally for Waterford and the Southeast exists as we need to massively increase capacity in this area.

“The capital plan mentions the new Palliative Care Unit and the new acute hospital block containing 72 beds. This unit is built and what is necessary is revenue funding to recruit staff to allow it open to full capacity. This has still not been finalized and is vital to allow the new units to become fully operational.

“I will go through this plan carefully to ensure that all of these announcements are followed through and delivered. We have had for too many announcements in the past that did not materialize.

“I welcome the ongoing commitment to a second Cath Lab and the new mortuary but these need to be finalized and delivered. I will continue to do my best to ensure each and every project is delivered on time and on target.”

Fianna Fáil TD for Waterford Mary Butler says the long-awaited capital plan for health finally gives clarity on the second permanent cath lab and mortuary facilities at University Hospital Waterford.

“I am pleased that the second cath lab in Waterford is progressing.  This has been one of my main priorities over the past number of years and its inclusion in the capital plan is testament to the determination of the local Oireachtas members who have been pushing so hard to get it over the line.  To see the commitment in print is a huge step forward, and I will be continuing to keep the pressure on the government to deliver on this promise”, said Deputy Butler.

“The plan also confirms that the project to build a replacement mortuary has now reached the tender stage.  It is imperative that this process proceeds without delay, as the current facilities are simply not fit for purpose.

“I am hopeful that the extensive waiting lists for ophthalmology will be reduced over the coming years, following confirmation that a new Ophthalmology Unit at UHW is now at planning stage.  The current situation is completely unacceptable and I am pleased that action is now being taken.

“While some of the announcements in today’s report are almost at the completion stage – such as St. Patricks Hospital Waterford and the Palliative Care Unit (Dunmore Wing at UHW) – the emphasis now has to be on ensuring staffing levels are in place so that there can be  a smooth transition for patients and staff alike.

“I am concerned that the National Children’s Hospital project overrun will have a detrimental impact on the delivery timelines of some of these capital projects and I, along with my party colleagues will be keeping pressure on Fine Gael to ensure that these important projects are delivered on time and within budget.

“I have worked extremely hard to secure the provision of the second permanent cath lab at University Hospital Waterford, and I will be monitoring its progress carefully”, concluded Deputy Butler.