Simon Harris: Risk rating had no bearing on Waterford review

Health Minister Simon Harris has said he does not believe that the risk rating relating to cardiac services at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) was changed prior to an independent review of the facility.

The minister was speaking following reports that UHW’s risk rating was adjusted before an independent assessment of services was carried out by cardiologist Professor Niall Herity.

The Herity report suggested there was no need for a second cath lab — an examination room with diagnostic imaging equipment used to visualise arteries — at UHW.