Almost ten years after standing outside University Hospital Waterford with a billboard promising 24/7 cardiac care, Government is still failing to deliver this demand for the people of Waterford and the South East, according to Waterford TD Conor D. McGuinness.

Conor McGuinness calls for action

Speaking in the Dáil today, Waterford TD Conor D. McGuinness said that while there has been a slow increase in cardiac service provision at UHW, the region is still a long way off the 24/7 care that was promised.

“Almost ten years ago the Taoiseach stood outside UHW with a billboard promising 24/7 cardiac care for Waterford and the South East. Ten years on, people are still waiting,” said McGuinness.

“Cabinet approval for the second cath lab was announced two months ago – but since then, nothing. No detailed plan, no timeline, no staffing strategy. Announcements are cheap, and it’s delivery that matters.”

“We’ve already lost years waiting for that announcement and for that go-ahead. Without urgent action, lives remain at risk in Waterford and across the wider region.”

Taoiseach cites incremental progress

The Taoiseach responded, saying:

“In terms of cardiac care Deputy McGuinness, a lot of progress has been made over the last five years in respect of Cath Lab investment in Waterford.

“It’s been incrementally building up, quite good investment over the last two to three years, and now we are going to complete that in terms of 24/7.”

McGuinness concluded:

“I asked the Taoiseach today whether recruitment has been completed and when we will see a full implementation plan – with timelines, staffing targets and a clear, guaranteed delivery of 24/7 cardiac care at UHW. He wouldn’t give an answer: no plan, no timeline, no confirmation. The people of the South East deserve better.”

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