Fine Gael TD for Donegal North East, Joe McHugh, has welcomed the confirmation by the Minister for Health, James Reilly of a single all-island paediatric cardiac surgical service which will be provided from Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Dublin.
“Political support for a single all-island paediatric cardiac surgery to be provided from Our Lady’s Hospital in Dublin is very welcome. This follows a report presented to the Northern Ireland Minister for Health, Edwin Poots MLA, which describes the paediatric heart surgery service at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children as no longer sustainable,” said the Donegal TD.
“It makes sense for the north and south of Ireland to pool resources and ensure that people from both jurisdictions are able to avail of mutually beneficial specialised services.
“Crumlin Hospital in Dublin has treated over 20 paediatric cardiac surgery cases per year from Northern Ireland in successful cooperation with the Authorities in Northern Ireland in recent years. I am aware that the HSE has been working with the Commissioning authorities in Northern Ireland on this matter intensively.
“I welcome the Minister’s commitment to helping children with cardiac problems regardless of where they come from on this island.”