Coffey welcomes new consultant posts at Waterford Regional Hospital

Fine Gael Waterford Deputy, Paudie Coffey, has welcomed news that a number of consultant posts are currently being filled, with additional posts to be filled over the coming period at Waterford Regional Hospital (WRH). Deputy Coffey was informed of this by the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly TD, and has said that these posts will help to reduce outpatient waiting lists at WRH in the short, medium and long term.

“The filling of these posts is clear and tangible evidence of the commitment of this Government to the future of Waterford Regional Hospital. The consultant posts will be in the following areas;
• A third (new) Consultant Dermatologist post, following the appointment of the second (new) post on 01/03/2013;
• A replacement post of Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the hospital;
• One Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon replacement post will be advertised shortly and a second replacement post is also being processed.

“These consultants have the expertise to treat patients in Waterford Regional Hospital and to reduce outpatient waiting lists that will benefit all patients in the South East Region. The Minister has assured me that this, coupled with new management plans, revised governance arrangements and additional clinics/clinical reviews in different areas, will enable WRH to better meet the targets set out for it over the coming year.

“There has been a lot of worry in Waterford and the South East Region over the past 12 months about the future of Waterford Regional Hospital. During that time, assurances were sought that services would not be downgraded and I am pleased that the Minister is delivering on those assurances. This is leading to additional and replacement consultant posts at the Hospital, which will improve the services at the hospital and outcomes for patients.”