HSE delays on Cath lab will impact cardio services in Sligo

FIANNA Fáil TD for Sligo-Leitrim Eamon Scanlon says further delays to the establishment of a permanent Cath Lab at Sligo University Hospital will have serious implications on the recruitment of an additional cardiologist for the hospital.

New correspondence received by Deputy Scanlon reveals that the HSE has set up a review group to examine the provision of Cath labs across the country, which will further delay the establishment of a Cath lab in Sligo.

“I am deeply frustrated by this latest information from the Saolta Hospital Group, which clearly outlines the intention to set up a permanent Cath lab at SUH, but which explains that “a National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is currently being undertaken”. This will undoubtedly delay the provision of the Cath lab at SUH”, said Deputy Scanlon.

“The current system, whereby a mobile unit visits the hospital once a week, is not providing the range of services that are so badly needed. Patients are forced to travel to Altnagelvin in Derry, Dublin or Galway for procedures.

“The lack of a permanent Cath lab will also create recruitment issues for the hospital. SUH is currently advertising for a second cardiologist and it will soon be seeking a replacement for a current post. If we want to attract the best candidates it’s crucial that we have a Cath lab.

“The HSE should not be standing in the way of Saolta’s current plan, which proposes a fixed Cath lab in Sligo. I am calling on Minister Harris to end the delay and approve the existing plan so that patients in Sligo can have access to a full service cardiology facility”.