Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

559. To ask the Minister for Health his views on the Herity report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17940/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Programme for a Partnership Government committed to an independent clinical review of the need for a second catherisation laboratory at University Hospital Waterford (UHW). This commitment has been fulfilled and the review was completed by Dr Niall Herity, a highly respected Belfast-based NHS cardiologist. I consider that Dr Herity's approach to the analysis and interpretation of the available evidence was independent, thorough and scientifically robust and took account of best international practice and guidance. Accordingly, I have accepted Dr Herity's findings and recommendations in their entirety.

To facilitate the implementation of those recommendations, I have provided additional funding of €0.5m for UHW in 2017 which will enable the hospital to provide 8 hours additional cath lab activity each week. However, in relation to the cessation of PPCI services at the hospital, as Minister for Health, I want to be sure that any service changes which we implement, will result in improved services for patients using that service. Therefore, I have asked my Department to address the implications of this recommendation by undertaking a national review of all PPCI services with the aim to ensure that as many patients as possible have access, on a 24/7 basis, to safe and sustainable emergency interventions following a heart attack. In the meantime, patients in the South East will continue to have access to out of hours PPCI services at Cork University Hospital or St James's Hospital, Dublin.