Hospital concern as cardiologist post left vacant

CONCERNS about heart services in Kerry were raised at the weekend with confirmation of a pending vacancy at Kerry General Hospital.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) confirmed the appointment of a cardiologist, who will have clinics in both Kerry General and the Bon Secours Hospital, Tralee, will not take place until next year.

Consultant cardiologist Dr Victor Kocka is due to leave his post next month.

In a partnership between the two hospitals, he had held seven regular weekly clinics at the private Bon Secours and four at the public Kerry General Hospital.

In the meantime, a locum cardiologist is to be appointed.

According to the HSE, Kerry General will continue arrangements with the Bon Secours until Kerry General is allocated a new, full-time cardiologist.

“The Bon Secours is taking every step to advertise the position for a locum cardiologist”, the HSE added.

Public representatives in Kerry have been calling for several years for the appointment of a full-time cardiologist at Kerry General, which serves all of Kerry as well as parts of Cork and Limerick.

They argue that the main appointment is with the Bon Secours and this involves a temporary sessional arrangement with Kerry General Hospital.