Deputy Burton has queried the ongoing failure of the HSE and the Minister to provide the funding for an angiogram service at Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown.

Deputy Burton said, “Connolly Hospital serves a huge catchment area and is the fastest growing area in the city. The hospital was promised an upgrade of equipment as part of Phase 2 of the redevelopment of the hospital.”

“I fail to understand why patients have to travel to the Mater hospital, or to Beaumont if they need an angiogram. This takes a lot of time and causes major inconvenience to sick patients, for what should be a routine procedure”.

“The staff at Connolly Hospital are providing a first class service to their patients, and when the current refurbishment (Phase 2) is completed, Connolly Hospital will be a first class facility. Given that heart disease is the highest health cause of untimely death in Irish adults, it seems clear that for Connolly Hospital to provide a complete service for its patients, it should be given the funding to acquire the equipment necessary for an angiogram service.”