A local Senator has raised his concerns over a decision by the HSE to no longer refer patients to the cardiology department at Cavan and Monaghan Hospital. GPs in both counties have been asked to stop referring cardiology patients to the hospital, but say they have not been given an alternative option. According to Senator Robbie Gallagher, the lack of detail around this decision is simply "not good enough."
Despite initial fears, Senator Gallagher has recently received a response from the HSE in relation to the matter. Speaking to Northern Sound, the local Fianna Fail representative said that there is currently no cardiologist as the incumbent has left. As a result, he has called for the post to be "filled quickly" so that pathways for cardiology referrals are restored "as soon as possible." Senator Gallagher also went on to highlight that the response from the RCSI Hospital Group outlining the position stated that "pre-existing pathways for cardiology patients remain in place in Cavan and Monaghan Hospital," in which he welcomed.
The correspondence also stated that; "Emergency cardiology patients continue to be managed within the ED/MAU, with referrals to tertiary sites as required. Patients can be referred to General Medicine OPD where general cardiology will be triaged and reviewed as appropriate."
