Need for cath lab for NW region

Fine Gael TD Tony McLoughlin this week held a positive meeting with the Minister for Health Simon Harris, on the future of cardiac care in the North West and in particular on the provision of a fixed Cardio Cath Lab service to be based at Sligo University Hospital.

McLoughlin stated: “A fixed Cardio Cath Lab for the Northwest region is an absolute priority in my opinion. I have raised this time and time again with the different Ministers for Health, the HSE, the CEO of the Saolta Hospital Group and the consultant cardiologist in Sligo University Hospital Dr Donal Murray and I must note that my frustrations have boiled over on many occasions due to the lack of urgency from the Hospital Group on the issue.

“This week, I impressed upon the Minister once more the need for urgent and speedy action on this issue and I am pleased to say that I have detected a step change in his approach and a greater understanding of the issue involved in the Northwest and I see a greater willingness to resolve this issue. The Minister has agreed to expedite the proposed National Review on the provision of Cath Lab services nationally.”