Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank both Deputies for raising this really serious issue. I am here with my colleague from Waterford who is Acting Chairman tonight. We could talk about cath labs all day long. My very first speech after being elected in 2016 related to cath lab services in Waterford.

As the Deputies will know, mobile cardiac cath lab services have been provided at Sligo University Hospital by a private company. I am informed by the HSE that the company concerned is to cease its provision of mobile cath lab services at SUH and other hospitals in the Irish market at the end of June. As a result, the Saolta University Hospital Group is working with hospital management on contingency measures to ensure adequate services are provided to patients. The HSE has advised that all options have been explored in relation to the continued provision of cath lab services in SUH after the cessation by the current service provider later this month.

In light of these considerations and the lack of private service providers in the marketplace, it is not possible for the service to continue in SUH when the mobile service ends on 30 June. As a result, the service will temporarily be provided at University Hospital Galway, UHG. Strong clinical service links are in place between Sligo and Galway, with an existing cardiologist at SUH providing a sessional commitment at UHG. Designated access will be provided for Sligo patients at the UHG cath lab unit.

We are also waiting patiently on the national review of specialist cardiac services, which is in its final stages and due to be published shortly. The review will set out the roadmap for future delivery of cardiac services nationally. As Deputy Martin Kenny said, the national review of specialist cardiac services commenced in January 2018 under the chairmanship of Professor Philip Nolan and a steering group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional and technical staff and nursing and patient representatives. The aim of the cardiac services review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level, with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme. In terms of scope, the national review covers scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults.

I know the Deputies will be extremely disappointed with the answer I have read out.

We have all come together in Waterford and the south east for many years trying to achieve an extension of hours in cardiac services. I understand how devastated the Deputies are to lose the limited cardiac service Sligo has because the private provider is leaving. While I cannot say for definite, I am pretty sure it is the same provider that previously provided services in Waterford three days a week. Apparently, it is ceasing to operate in the country completely. It is leaving the Deputies in a bad situation.

I read the reply before I came to the Chamber and it contains devastating news for them. I understand what Deputy Harkin said. It necessitates a three-hour journey from some parts. We all know how time is so important. I will bring their concerns back to the Minister, Deputy Stephen Donnelly. I will listen to what they have to say again now.

See this speech in context