Paudie Coffey (Waterford, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of Health for providing reassurance to people in the south east region that the current services at Waterford Regional Hospital will be retained and enhanced. I also note the statement that since October 2012, "the Waterford Regional Hospital interventional suite has been identified as the designated primary percutaneous coronary intervention centre as part of the national acute coronary syndrome programme covering counties Waterford, Kilkenny and Wexford and south County Tipperary".

According to cardiologists, in the event of a heart attack, international best practice shows that angioplasty is the most effective treatment as it significantly reduces mortality, decreases shock, lowers the risk of stroke and gives a better, longer-term outcome. However, this intervention must be delivered within 90 minutes of a heart attack occurring. This is an issue for the south east region and people living in counties Kilkenny, Wexford, Carlow and south Tipperary who must have access to these vital services at Waterford Regional Hospital. I welcome the statement committing the Government, over time, to deliver a 24-7 cardiology service at the hospital.

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