A protest calling for cardiac services in the South-East is to go ahead today despite confirmation of a mobile cath lab for the region.

University Hospital Limerick’s chronic overcrowding and University Hospital Waterford’s lack of cardiac care services will be the focus of major protests this weekend.

People in the south-east are being urged to have their voices heard this weekend on a ‘life and death issue’. The South East Patient Advocacy Group (SEPAG) said the continuing concerns over a part-time cardiac service in University Hospital Waterford “affects every single person living in Wexford, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Carlow and Waterford”.

Patient advocacy campaigners in the South-East have said junior minister John Halligan must examine his conscience about whether a mobile special cardiac treatment lab for Waterford is enough to prevent his resignation.

A patient advocacy group seeking 24/7 cardiac care in Waterford has warned the Government: “We have not gone away — our lives matter and out voices will be heard.”

People in the south east are being urged to show their support this afternoon for a second cath lab at University Hospital Waterford.