Waterford cardiac services may be reduced

Services at Waterford hospital could be reduced as a result of a report commissioned at the request of Minister of State John Halligan, who had made improvements at the facility his price for supporting the Government

The review into University Hospital Waterford recommends against the expansion of cardiac care services, which was previously described by the Waterford Independent TD as a “formality”.

The Irish Times understands that the report raises the prospect of transferring an existing high-tech cardiac facility from Waterford to Cork.

Sources, however, said that Mr Harris will not close services on foot of the report.

The clinical review, which was carried out by a Belfast-based cardiologist, Niall Herity, was a key element of the programme for government agreed between Fine Gael and the Independent Alliance.

The main request from Mr Halligan, who is Minister of State for Training and Skills, was for a second catherisation laboratory at the hospital, but Fine Gael would only commit to an “independent clinical review” that would examine the needs of the population and the workload of the current laboratory.

Review a formality

Mr Halligan’s stance was a consistent source of tension in the talks. After the Government was formed, Mr Halligan described the review as a “formality” and was confident a second laboratory would be delivered.

The Minister and other supporters had previously spoken of the need for 24/7 cardiovascular services at the hospital. But it is understood that Dr Herity’s review, in conjunction with finding against a second laboratory, concludes there is no such need.

It is also understood that the review suggests transferring some high-tech percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities to Cork.

The Independent Alliance met Minister for Health Simon Harris and Minister for Finance Michael Noonan on the issue this week. Mr Harris did not give any concrete recommendations to Mr Halligan, but said he would be in his Waterford constituency by October to make an announcement.

Sources described the atmosphere at the meeting as positive, but Mr Halligan was given no firm commitments.

“I’d be positive that what we asked for, we’ll get,” Mr Halligan said last night.

He said Mr Harris told him that Dr Herity's report was now being reviewed within the Department of Health.

Increase services

Government sources expressed confidence, however, that they could maintain Mr Halligan’s support by increasing services for the hospital through other means without going against the advice given by Dr Herity.

It is understood that the prospect of a second laboratory in future – pending a further review of the additional resources provided – will be kept open.

One source said there was “good stuff” in the report overall.

The programme for government says the Fine Gael-Independent Coalition is “committed to the development of a second cath lab in University Hospital Waterford subject to a favourable recommendation from an independent clinical review of the needs of the region”.

“Then it will proceed immediately to design and planning stage followed by construction, and will be completed and ready for operation without undue delay.”