Sinn Fein TD David Cullinane has expressed alarm and shock that the policy of the South/South West Hospital Group is to cease all emergency cardiac services at University Hospital Waterford, pending a national review.
The Chief Operations Officer for the group confirmed to Waterford Oireachtas members that all emergency cardiac services will cease unless national policy changes.
Deputy Cullinane expressed his concern on the issue.
"I am deeply alarmed and shocked that the South/Southwest Hospital Group will push ahead with proposals to cease all emergency cardiac care at UHW. It seems that only a change in national policy will save the service", he said.
"I said a number of weeks ago that we have reached a fork in the road. It is either full 24/7 care or nothing. This is completely unacceptable. The Group is also looking at progressing plans for a helipad at the hospital".
Deputy Cullinane also expressed his doubts over the mobile cath lab which was mooted to cover the issue.
"I was informed that the much publicised mobile Lab will be deployed only to deal with a set number of patients and for a maximum of three months."
"It is very clear that we face a major battle on our hands to keep existing services never mind enhance cardiology services. I am deeply troubled by this news and I am keen to see any terms of reference for a National review. I am not interested in any Trojan horse solutions. The Southeast needs 24/7 cardiac care and I will continue to campaign for this to be delivered".
