Little clarity from Taoiseach on 24/7 timeline
Taoiseach Micheal Martin has been asked to provide timescales for the commencement of 24/7 cardiac care in Waterford.
In 2016, Micheal Martin and Minister Mary Butler promised the delivery of cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford in the run-up to that year’s general election.
Last year, cabinet approval for the implementation of 24/7 cardiac care was announced.
The approval ringfenced €611,000 to facilitate the recruitment of additional staff to commence the expansion of cardiac services at the hospital.
Deputy David Cullinane asked for updates on the delivery during Taoiseach’s Questions last week.
Deputy Cullinane said, “This is a long-running campaign. The Minister for Health announced last year that the Government was committed to it. Where is it? How long will it take? What is the timescale? What additional staff are needed to scale up to get there? We cannot have announcement after announcement but still have no sense as to when that will be delivered.”
In response, the Taoiseach said he will have to revert back to the Minister on the issue.
“The commitment is there. I remember it going through Cabinet last year. We were told by clinicians for a long time and all the expert groups that it could not be done. Now it can be done, following the reviews, and I am determined that we pursue it and fulfil it.”
No timescale for delivery was provided by the Taoiseach.
“There has been progress made in terms of extension of the cover and all that. The commitment has been made and we will pursue that” he said
Local campaign groups are still taking to the streets demanding the delivery.
Read more about recent protests HERE
