David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We have had several discussions on the Adjournment in the House and on a number of occasions when the Minister appeared before us to discuss the Higgins report and its implications for the Waterford Regional Hospital and the Waterford region. I was against the grouping for the south and the break-up of the south-east region. Having said that, once the Government made its decision we need to ensure that the promises and commitments given by Professor Higgins in his report, and later by the Government and the HSE, are followed through and honoured. We must ensure that we make the best of the new hospital grouping. We must support it as best we can in order to ensure that the services at the hospital are protected, maintained and enhanced.

As the Minister will know, two solid commitments were given in the Higgins report that would be positive and of benefit to the hospital. The first commitment was that the hospital would become a university teaching hospital with academic links to Cork University Hospital and the appointment of five academic consultants. Have the consultant posts been appointed? If not, when will they be appointed?

The second commitment given in the Higgins report was to provide 24-7 cardiology services at the hospital. The report dealt with structural change so it was strange to include such a commitment. We discussed the matter on the Adjournment. The report talked about enhanced cardiology services but when Professor Higgins and the Minister were pressed on the matter they said that the provision of a 24-7 cardiology service was the aim. That is what we want for the hospital and that promise and commitment was given to consultants at the hospital. I seek clarification on the matter. The Higgins report talked about enhanced cardiology services for Waterford Regional Hospital. Did that translate into 24-7 cardiology services? If it did, when will the service be provided? I ask the Minister to appraise us on whether all of the positions have been filled. As we know, once groups are established there must be a CEO, chair and board appointed. Have the positions been filled? If not, when will they be filled?

I want the Minister to update the House on the status of the new grouping, the work done since the publication of the report, the progress made and give a timeframe for work that is outstanding. The two critical areas I seek clarity on are the 24-7 cardiology service and the five consultant posts.

Finally, I spoke to consultants who work at the hospital who said that five consultant posts are needed to protect and enhance services. They are as follows: two colorectal consultants in general surgery, two anaesthetists and one gastroenterologist. I ask the Minister to update us on whether the posts will be allocated and filled in the near future.