Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

There is a very serious situation in University Hospital Kerry. I refer to the commitments in the programme for Government on health care. I wish to highlight the situation with regard to a very respected, highly regarded cardiologist working in the hospital whose time is now, unfortunately, coming to an end, which will be a massive loss to the hospital. What commitment will the HSE south give to the hospital in Kerry on cardiology, geriatric or respiratory issues? We are in a dire way in those three health care categories. We cannot allow a situation whereby the excellent service that was being given by the cardiologist will no longer be available. Acute patients on wards need treatment every day. Multiple clinics are being held every week and people are being referred to Limerick for angiograms. What will happen if the cardiologist who has given excellent care is now going to be taken away from the hospital? What commitments will the Government give to the future of University Hospital Kerry?

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