Thousands have turned out in Waterford city this afternoon in support of a group who are demanding the Government listen to their needs.
The South East Patient Advocacy Group (S.E.P.A.G.) say they were promised 24 hour cardiac care and a second cath lab at UHW and won't back down until they get what they were promised.
Earlier this week John Halligan announced he'd had assurances from the Health Minister Simon Harris that a mobile cath lab will be provided at UHW.
S.E.P.A.G. acknowledges a the mobile unit may help reduce the waiting lists for routine cardiology procedures at UHW.
But they say they were promised the implementation of a 24/7 cardiac care service like every other regional hospital in this country has and they won't be "placated" until that is what they get.
In a statement from the group they said, "A mobile unit is only a temporary solution to a permanent problem and is not what was promised.. it's just another fudge to try and con us into accepting second best once again... it's a bit like putting a sticking plaster on a broken bone or asking a homeless family to live in a caravan... we won't be backing down until we get exactly what we were promised and need... every time there is a demonstration planned the government come out with talk of a "solution" to try and deter protests because a grass roots movement is what they fear the most."
Today's protest is an attempt to get the Government's attention and demand 24/7 cardiac care for the south east region.
Protestors today proved they want it now and not next year. Their demands include a permanent second cath lab at UHW and not a temporary one that can be pulled at any time at the whim of this or any future government.
Former consultant at UHW, Dr. Paddy Condon spoke to Beat News:
The mobile unit is great that's is coming in to relieve the waiting list but we're concerned that the contracts have already been signed to send patients to Cork which could undermine the project.
Also, we're not sure how many days a week it'll be working because they have reduced the use of operating theatres around the country so we want to be sure they won't restrict the use of this mobile unit
Hilary O' Neill from the South East Patient Advocasy Group spoke from the podium
