Former FF Minister Calls Lack of 24/7 Cardiac Care at UHW ‘Disgraceful
Former Minister Slams Lack of 24/7 cardiac Care at Waterford Hospital
Waterford, Ireland – Former Fianna Fáil Minister Martin Cullen has criticized the absence of round-the-clock cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford (UHW), calling it “disgraceful” and demanding immediate action.
Speaking to WLR at the SETU count center during the 2024 General Election count,Cullen expressed his frustration with the situation.”Waterford is the capital of the region,” he stated.”We need Waterford hospital to be master of its own destiny.”
Cullen suggested that signage for UHW should include a disclaimer: “subsidiary of Cork,” highlighting his belief that the hospital is not receiving the autonomy and resources it deserves.
“A region like the south-East without 24/7 cardiac care is disgraceful,” Cullen declared. “there shouldn’t even be a discussion. It has to be done, it’s as simple as that. It’s a necessity.”
cullen, who served as Transport Minister from 2004 to 2007, also emphasized the need for continued investment in Waterford Airport. He recalled plans for a new runway during his tenure, which ultimately did not materialize.
“Waterford has not received its fair share of investment in recent times,” Cullen asserted. He called on Fianna Fáil TDs Mary Butler and John Cummins to address this imbalance, advocating for a cabinet Minister to be appointed from Waterford.
Reflecting on Sinn Féin’s success in Waterford, securing two seats, Cullen attributed it to Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael neglecting the west of the county, leaving an opening for Sinn Féin to capitalize on.
Waterford Hospital’s Lack of 24/7 Cardiac Care Sparks Outrage
NewsDirect3.com Exclusive Interview: Following a recent election count, former Fianna Fáil Minister Martin Cullen has condemned the ongoing lack of round-the-clock cardiac care at University Hospital Waterford (UHW), labeling the situation ”disgraceful.” Speaking with WLR, Cullen stated, “Waterford is the capital of the region. We need Waterford Hospital to be master of its own destiny.”
Cullen’s frustration stems from what he perceives as UHW’s dependence on Cork,suggesting that hospital signage should clarify its status as a “subsidiary of Cork.” He strongly believes that the South-East region deserves 24/7 cardiac care, asserting, ”it’s a necessity. There shouldn’t even be a discussion. It has to be done.”
Beyond cardiac care, Cullen also addressed the need for continued investment in Waterford Airport, highlighting past plans for a new runway that were ultimately abandoned.He criticized the perceived lack of investment in Waterford, calling upon Fianna Fáil tds Mary Butler and John Cummins to advocate for a cabinet Minister from the city.
Cullen attributed Sinn Féin’s recent electoral success in Waterford, securing two seats, to the neglect of the county’s western region by both Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, creating an opportunity for Sinn Féin to capitalize.