Minister Harris approves modular cath lab for University Hospital Waterford

Health Minister Simon Harris has agreed to provide a “modular” catheterisation laboratory at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) to allow for increased numbers of diagnostic and follow-up procedures for cardiac patients.

However, it is understood the new facility will not operate on a round-the-clock basis and campaigners will still be pressing for a permanent, second cath lab at UHW to cater for heart attack victims.

Minister of state John Halligan, who has campaigned with other southeast TDs and senators for years for a second permanent cath lab to be provided alongside the existing facility at Waterford which currently runs on a 9am-5 basis, Monday to Friday — said the modular lab will improve waiting list times in the southeast.