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March for 24/7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford takes place in the city this afternoon

March for 24/7 cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford takes place in the city this afternoon

People from Waterford and beyond are expected to take part in today's 'Have a Heart' protest, which has been organised by three campaign groups fighting for a second cath lab at the hospital.

The march comes as it was confirmed the temporary mobile cath lab, which was due to be removed on Wednesday, will now stay in place for a further 20 weeks.

Willie Doyle, from campaign group 24/7 Cardiac Cover for the South East, says it makes little difference to those in emergency situations at weekends and evenings.

"I think it's a national scandal that we should have to fight to get what every other part of the country has," he says.

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"In My opinion (the mobile lab) is not going to do anything for anybody who gets a heart attack after hours."

Willie Doyle says that the extension of the mobile labs tenure on the grounds of UHW will give some relief to people on waiting lists, but says that the measure is merely passing people from list to list.

Today's event kicks off from the Williamstown Centre in Ardkeen at 2 o'clock, with people marching to UHW for 2:15pm.

The entire protest is to last an hour, to represent the "golden hour" that a heart attack victim has to get interventional treatment.

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