A Sinn Fein TD says the Modular Cath Lab at University Hospital Waterford must be fully resourced and staffed.
The mobile unit which had been on the grounds of the hospital since September of last year was removed this morning for "servicing".
A larger modular unit is now in its place and will be operational in two weeks time. It will operate three days a week carrying out diagnostic cardiology procedures only.
A spokesperson for University Hospital Waterford said: "University Hospital Waterford can confirm that the Mobile Cath Lab, which was on-site has been removed and is currently under service. There is a replacement unit on-site under commission and will resume normal service from 3rd September. It is the hospital’s position that once installed, the replacement unit will be operated on the same basis as the current Mobile Cath lab, it will operate Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday only."
Deputy David Cullinane says the Minister, the Department and the HSE are contradicting themselves and causing huge confusion and upset:"A number of months ago the Minister for Health announced that a modular Cath Lab would replace a mobile unit at University Hospital Waterford. The modular unit would be able to carry out both diagnostic angiograms and intervention work (stents). The mobile Lab can do diagnostics only.
"In making this announcement the Minister said a design plan, a procurement process and planning was required and that this would take six months. However because the company that supplies the Mobile Lab has withdrawn the Lab a Modular Lab has arrived without any procurement process or planning permission.
"Worse still the Modular Lab will only carry out diagnostic work and not interventions. This is because the Minister has not yet made available the funding to make it happen. So we have a Modular Lab that is capable of carrying out interventional cardiology procedures but will not do so!
"This is crazy and chaotic. The Minister, the Department and the HSE are all over the place. They are contradicting themselves and causing huge confusion and upset.
"The Modular Lab must be allowed operate to full capacity. This will allow data to emerge that in my view will be favorable to the National Review.
"The chaotic and haphazard approach to this issue must end. The Minister must stop the messing, fully resource the Lab and allow it to function to its full potential.
"The bottom line is the Modular Lab is in situ. Leaving aside how it arrived it should immediately be fully resourced and staffed to allow it deliver diagnostic and intervention procedures."
