Praise continues for 24-hour cardiac care access for Kilkenny patients

Specialist cardiac care was previously only available from 8am to 8pm in Waterford until the service was expanded last week

Published 13th Jul 2026, 16:00 BST The Emergency Department at University Hospital Waterford. Photo: Google Maps. Specialist cardiac care was previously only available from 8am to 8pm in Waterford until the service was expanded last week Sign up to our Kilkenny Live newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know you can manage your profile, and explore all of the available newsletters from Kilkenny Live within your account.

The impact of round the clock cardiac care for the South-East has been widely praised as the upgraded service came into effect last week.

Specialist care is now available 24-hours a day at University Hospital Waterford, leading to far reduced travel times for those needing cardiac attention in the region.

Speaking in the Dáíl, Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, David Cullinane, highlighted the benefits being brought to several counties.

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“The 24/7 cardiology care was a big day for Waterford and is a big step forward for health in the South-East,” he said. “I commend the Minister on the fact she ensured this happened.”

“There was a campaign over a long number of years. I also commend people in Waterford and the South-East, including Carlow, Kilkenny , Wexford and Tipperary, who came out in big numbers on a number of occasions to demand equality of access.”

“The fact it is now there is good news for everybody in the South-East,” he added.

In her reply, Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll McNeill TD, also paid tribute to campaigners and health staff saying: “I thank Deputy Cullinane and I acknowledge all of the people involved.”

“The impact of it means people can rest easier knowing they will have the care they need at any time they need it,” she concluded.