Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for the opportunity to address the House on this important matter. I listened to what he had to say, and I read the response I am about to read yesterday evening. I suppose both of us could write the response at this stage. We have been invested in this with many of our colleagues for a long time. I commend the campaign groups, especially those with lived experience who have been through the process and understand how important it is.

I acknowledge the significant developments in cardiac services delivered by UHW and commend the staff on their continued commitment. The programme for Government contains a commitment in respect of the delivery of a second cath lab at UHW and funding was allocated in the 2019 capital plan for its provision. People might ask why we need a second one. It is because when you have one there is always a single point of failure if something happens. I am pleased to report the second cath lab opened on 4 September 2023 and is operating five days per week, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

During the lifetime of the Government, considerable extra resources have been provided to increase the level of cardiology services at UHW. Prior to the opening of the second cath lab, a service-level agreement was in place with UPMC Whitfield to provide a three-day per week service to assist with cardiology diagnostic procedures in Waterford. This service has been replaced with the opening of the second cath lab in UHW, which provides a five-day per week service, a notable increase in the level of service provided to the people of Waterford. We now have two cath labs operating and the hours available are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday. Notwithstanding the difficult recruitment environment impacting the healthcare sector, the HSE has confirmed that the 24 healthcare professionals have been approved to support operation of the second cath lab. Twenty-two of these positions have been filled and a further two - two healthcare assistants - are currently filled on an agency basis. That is welcome. In addition, the opening hours of the first cath lab at UHW were extended in September 2022 and it is now open from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., Monday to Friday. That is all progress, notwithstanding the fact progress has been slow. We have 24 extra staff in place, two cath labs and opening hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The next phase, which is the subject of discussion today, is to secure weekend cover from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I guarantee the Senator that the political will is there. The Minister, Deputy Donnelly, has made it clear he supports a seven-day service and has recently given a commitment that the staff requirement for the additional Saturday-Sunday cover will be resourced from the 2,068 whole-time equivalents secured in budget 2024. In some areas there is a pause on recruitment. However, there will be no pause or embargo in relation to these 2,068 whole-time equivalents. The Minister has given a clear commitment. I understand UHW has submitted a business place to the South/Southwest Hospital Group for the additional staff required to extend opening hours. This is under consideration.

I spoke to the general manager in the hospital. I thank him for all his work and the support he affords us as Oireachtas Members. He said once the go-ahead is given to him, he will be able to stand this up quickly and be in a position that weekend cover could be provided by the end of March.