Cullinane calls for Health Minister to release cardiac services report
A staunch member of the opposition in the Dáil, Sinn Féin's Deputy David Cullinane.
Waterford TD David Cullinane has called on the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to publish the report of the review of adult specialist cardiac services.
"It is imperative that it is published before the next Government is in place, and that a clear timeframe for delivery of 24/7 PPCI in UHW is included," the Sinn Féin Health Spokesperson said.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is in the hands of the Minister of Health, who admitted that he could publish the document.
“The next Programme for Government should include explicit commitments on cardiovascular health, including 24/7 emergency cardiac care in the South East, as well as a national strategy to improve prevention, screening, and primary care services, as well as acute and emergency care.
"He had sought to secure funding for the report before publishing it. The Government did not consider or fund the report. This was a cynical exercise to avoid scrutiny and debate on the issue in advance of the election.
"This is a very serious matter and lives are at risk because of the lack of services in the South East."
The Waterford TD said that "there is a responsibility on the Minister to now publish the report so that it can inform Government talks and the programme for the next Government".
"It is essential that the next Government implements a comprehensive strategy for improving heart health, emergency care, prevention, and local primary care. This cannot be developed if the report is kept under wraps. This delay is holding back much-needed change."
Deputy Cullinane argued that Minister Donnelly "should put transparency first" and publish the report before the end of the current government and to put in place a "clear timeframe for delivery" of 24-hour cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services will recommend a focus on four principal cardiology centres in Dublin, Cork and Galway, supported by a network of satellite hospitals, The Irish Times reported in June. Crucially for the Déise, the report recommends that cardiac services should be strengthened at five other "satellite" hospitals, including UHW.
