Harney pledges town’s cardiology services secure
In response to concerns expressed by Clare TDs, Ms Harney, through Junior Minister, John Moloney stated: “All the cardiology services currently available in Ennis General Hospital will continue. The future of these services at Ennis General Hospital is secure and they will continue to be provided by a specialist cardiology team.
He added: “In fact, these services will be expanded further with the addition of cardiac failure clinics and cardiac rehabilitation services for patients who have had the acute phase of their illness managed in the Mid-West Regional Hospital, Limerick.”
Mr Moloney added: “In deciding on the best model for the provision of cardiac services in the region, the unanimous medical advice is to centralise acute cardiology to the Mid-Western Regional Hospital Limerick.
“This is in line with the model being developed in the region whereby services are organised on an integrated regional basis, delivered in a range of locations and settings. To facilitate this, a fourth cardiologist is being appointed. This will facilitate a separate cardiology rota, giving patients access to a cardiologist on a 24-hour basis for emergency cases in the region.”
Mr Moloney confirmed that interventional cardiology will be performed in the designated cardiac catheterisation laboratory in the Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, enabling patients to receive the best possible care in the event of an acute cardiac episode.
He said: “Six additional in-patient cardiology beds will be designated in the Mid Western Regional Hospital Limerick to support this service. These developments will be brought on stream in the course of 2011 after the fourth cardiologist has taken up duty.”
Mr Moloney added: “General medicine services will continue to be provided at Ennis. The majority of medical patients, including respiratory patients, will continue to be treated at the hospital.”
Deputy Timmy Dooley (FF) said last night: “I am happy with the assurances given by the minister over the retention of cardiology services that are currently available at Ennis.”
Mr Moloney pointed out that Ennis General has also recently seen significant investment with the installation of a CT scanner costing €900,000 which became operational in 2009.
In addition, an endoscopy suite for day medical procedures at a total cost of €2.5m is under construction and is due to be completed by April 2011.
The HSE has received planning permission for a new ward block containing 50 replacement beds. It is estimated that the construction of these facilities, which will cost €8m, will be completed by the end of 2011.
