Patients across Waterford and the wider South East are set to benefit from faster access to life-saving treatment as the specialist cardiac service at University Hospital Waterford moves to full 24/7 operation. Announced through the Health Service Executive (HSE), the upgrade means emergency heart attack care and primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) will now be available around the clock, every day of the year, reducing the need for transfers to Cork or Dublin.
From 6 July 2026, University Hospital Waterford (UHW) has expanded its existing seven-day, 8am to 8pm on-call model into a continuous 24-hour service. The development is a major milestone for Health services in the South East and reflects continued investment across gov.ie-backed hospital infrastructure, staffing and acute care delivery.
Specialist cardiac service expands to 24/7 at UHW
The enhanced specialist cardiac service will use both cardiac catheterisation laboratories at UHW to deliver emergency intervention for patients suffering serious cardiac events, including heart attacks. PCI, often called coronary angioplasty, is a minimally invasive procedure that opens blocked or narrowed arteries and restores blood flow to the heart muscle.
This expansion follows a multi-stage project that included:
- A new two-storey hospital extension
- A second specialist Cath Lab
- Preparation and recovery areas
- Additional diagnostic and support facilities
- Recruitment for 10 extra specialist whole-time equivalent posts
The result is a stronger regional emergency pathway for patients in Waterford and surrounding counties covered by the HSE Dublin and South East region.
Why the upgrade matters for patients
A full-time specialist cardiac service can make a critical difference when minutes matter. According to clinicians, direct transfer to a PCI centre within 120 minutes of diagnosis can significantly lower mortality in acute heart attack cases.
For patients in the South East, the UHW expansion is expected to:
- Cut travel times for emergency cardiac treatment
- Reduce dependence on out-of-hours support from hospitals in Cork and Dublin
- Improve survival chances in time-sensitive cases
- Allow more patients to receive treatment closer to home and family
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Colm Henry said the move should help reduce acute mortality and improve long-term outcomes for heart attack patients in the region.
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Government and HSE backing for specialist cardiac service
Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill described the expanded specialist cardiac service as a significant step forward for communities in the South East. She noted that the Government had committed to a 24/7 model last year, while recognising that recruiting highly specialised staff would take time.
Senior figures from UHW and the Health Service Executive (HSE) also credited the project to coordinated planning, infrastructure investment and sustained recruitment. Consultant Cardiologist Mr. Patrick O’Callaghan said the aim had long been to provide the fullest practical suite of cardiac services locally.
The development also aligns with broader national healthcare planning involving Health, Public Expenditure and regional hospital capacity, while complementing information and public service resources often accessed through gov.ie and related bodies.
Regional impact in the South East
Clinical leaders say the opening of the 24/7 specialist cardiac service brings Waterford into line with Ireland’s other regional primary PCI centres. It is expected to benefit around 70 patients each year who may now avoid transfer to another city for urgent treatment.
For families, that means not only quicker intervention but also more localised care during some of the most serious medical emergencies.
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FAQ: University Hospital Waterford cardiac expansion
What has changed at University Hospital Waterford?
The hospital’s specialist cardiac service has moved from a 7-day, 8am-8pm on-call model to a full 24/7, 365-day service for emergency PCI and cardiac care.
What is PCI?
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention is a procedure used to open blocked coronary arteries, helping restore blood flow during or after a heart attack.
Who will benefit?
Patients in Waterford and the wider South East region who need urgent cardiac intervention will benefit from faster access to treatment closer to home.
Conclusion
The launch of a 24/7 specialist cardiac service at University Hospital Waterford is a landmark development for emergency healthcare in the South East. With upgraded facilities, added staffing and full-time PCI access, the region now has stronger local cardiac care when every second counts.
Article/Image Courtesy: HSE
