Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I will raise a number of issues affecting the congenital heart unit in the Mater Hospital. I have taken on board Senator Norris's comments, which I agree with 100%. Some great work has been done by the HSE. We often criticise the HSE but we do not often compliment it on the good work it does. I fully support the comments made by Senator Norris. Consultants have raised issues with the congenital heart unit at the Mater Hospital. The number of patients with heart defects going through that unit has increased significantly. Consultants say they are finding it difficult to cope with the volume of people coming through. Every year approximately 400 people transition into adult care once they reach the age of 16. That has increased the number and the unit has 2,500 people on its books. The complexities of dealing with people with heart defects means it is a slow and tedious exercise. The unit only has two part-time consultants. They have no secretary and there are two or three nurses. They have claimed that these issues limit their capacity and ability to do their jobs properly because they cannot access outpatient clinics. They have limited access to scanning machines which are all vital to detect heart defects, which I said earlier is very complex. There are currently 2,500 people on their books. They are saying they cannot cope. The result of that is people's lives are being put at risk. I ask the Leader to bring the issue to the attention of the Minister so that he may get involved and put measures in place to address this very important issue.