Prefab cath lab earmarked for hospital
A HEART examination cath lab, located in a prefab, is to be installed at University Hospital Waterford to provide advanced diagnostic and follow-up care to cardiac patients.
The mobile cath lab is a further compromise to make up for the HSE’s refusal to install a second permanent facility at the hospital, despite strong local demands for one.
The hospital will continue to have just one permanent cath lab, but the new service, to be located in a prefab or modular building, will be able to provide complex procedures.
Local Independent TD and Minister of State John Halligan said it would “significantly improve cardiac waiting lists in the south-east and is a welcome step forward for regional cardiac care”. He added that it would increase capacity to provide immediate access to the main cath lab for emergency patients presenting with heart attacks and provide a better service for the region”.
However, it will take until next year to deliver the new lab because of the need for planning and construction.