Landmark moment as 24/7 cardiac care set to commence at Waterford hospital this Monday
Minister John Cummins and Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll McNeill TD confirmed that 24/7 cardiac care will go live at University Hospital Waterford effective 8am on Monday morning, July 6.
A landmark moment for Waterford and the South East is set to take place at University Hospital Waterford this Monday with the commencement of 24/7 primary PCI and emergency cardiac care.
A hard-fought campaign, that has taken more than 10 years, the commencement was welcomed by Minister of State, John Cummins TD.
“Monday will be a really significant day for Waterford and the entire South East region. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for cardiac services at UHW as 24/7 PPCI becomes operational," Minister Cummins said.
"I have worked extensively with my Fine Gael Colleague Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Minister for Health) and hospital management over the past 12 months to ensure this final significant step to 24/7 was taken.
"In fairness to Jennifer, she said on becoming Minister for Health that this service would be delivered at UHW and now it finally has."
Minister Cummins acknowledged all those "who have campaigned tirelessly and worked hard to ensure this service at UHW has become a reality - from advocacy groups, to consultants, hospital management and all my government colleagues past and present".
"This is unquestionably an issue which has transcended political lines," Minister Cummins said. "It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the significant step that was taken by Tánaiste Simon Harris, when he was Minister for Health to approve the construction of a second cath lab at UHW, which was an essential prerequisite for the expansion of services over the last number of years.”
The service has been built incrementally, with the construction of the second cath lab, and then a move to an 8am to 8pm weekday service, with an extension of that to an 8am to 8pm weekend service.
“I would like to thank my Fine Gael colleague Minister Carroll McNeill for her unwavering support and commitment," Minister Cummins said. "She has been incredibly positive and proactive in helping UHW to reach this milestone and to deliver this vital service for Waterford and the wider South East region.”
He also thanked CEO at University Hospital Waterford, Ben O’Sullivan, the wider management team and all of the cardiac and ancillary staff who will operate the lifesaving service on a 24/7 basis.
"It is a really significant commitment by all of the relevant staff and on behalf of the people of Waterford and the wider South-East region I want to thank them and extend my best wishes as they officially commence this crucial service," he said. "None of us ever want to avail of the service, but knowing it is there, is very reassuring for citizens of this region."
