Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I absolutely take the Deputy's point on Wexford and the south-east area, and his valid criticism. I will tell the Minister, Deputy Harris, about the time of two hours and 30 minutes. I live in Marino and Beaumont Hospital is only ten minutes up the road from my house. I met the consultants with the Minister of State, Deputy Halligan, and have heard their cases. I also will tell the Minister that there are 203 cases per year not 150 cases per year. We have to consider that. There is a determination to resolve this issue. It is recommended that the existing cath lab should be staffed and funded to provide for 12 sessions of four hours each every week. That is an extension of 20% in its hours. Certain posts have been appointed. The grade IV administrative campaign is under way and will be filled on a temporary basis by the end of this month via an agency. The porter position that it was not possible to fill as a temporary post on the HSE contract was converted from an agency on 30 July. The senior cardiac physiologist post was expressed to the panel, the senior radiographer has offered his post to the senior panel already in existence and the post has been accepted. The candidate, however, is on maternity leave but will return to take up the post on 6 November 2018. A staff nurse was appointed on 7 September 2018.

In respect of international best practice and University Hospital Waterford, I am well aware of the issue. It is very important. The people of Wexford and Waterford have the same rights as the rest of us in respect of cardiac services. I will bring all of the Deputy's reasonable and credible points back to the Minister.

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