Marian Harkin (Sligo-Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Last night, I received a devastating response to a Topic Issue matter I raised about the closure of the catheterisation laboratory, cath lab, at Sligo University Hospital. There were no new proposals offered; just excuses. I was told about the existing link with University Hospital Galway but the recent national heart attack audit confirmed that the average travel time between the two hospitals is three hours, which is double the maximum recommended time of 90 minutes.

There are six specialist heart units in Ireland. There are two in Dublin and one in each of Waterford, Cork, Limerick and Galway. There is nothing north of Dublin and Galway. Why are heart patients in the north west being discriminated against? Will the Minister confirm whether the national review of the specialist cardiac services will include the provision of these services in Sligo?

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