Minimum standard of guaranteed healthcare needed for South East

Labour candidate for Ireland South Sheila Nunan speaking from the March for 24/7 Cardiac Care in Waterford today has said the people of the South East deserve the same quality of healthcare that citizens in much of Europe take for granted, and called for a minimum standard of guaranteed healthcare.

Sheila said:

“One of the cornerstones of my campaign is the need for a social Europe, and the Labour Party is campaigning for a European minimum standard of guaranteed healthcare for all.

“That would mean a commitment, and guarantee that the people of the South East receive the same standards of cardiac care provided elsewhere in Ireland and that much of Europe enjoys.

“This march in Waterford today has a simple ask. 24/7 cardiology service at University Hospital Waterford is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Human life is not 9 to 5, and emergency healthcare services shouldn’t be either.

“We still do not know if or when a round the clock life-saving service will be provided in Waterford but I do know that if I am elected to the European parliament I will work with my colleagues across Europe towards a minimum guaranteed level of healthcare service.

“The European Society of Cardiology recommends that hospital provide a 24/7 treatment for ‘primary percutaneous coronary intervention’, and that 60 minutes should be the maximum time after diagnosis before treatment. Unfortunately the travel time to Cork is 90 minutes and many don’t make it to Cork within that time frame. This is just one example of the impact a lack of a 24/7 service has on the people of Waterford and the South East.”