Union accuses Government of moulding question to fit desired outcome

September 9th Unite, which represents thousands of current and retired workers in Waterford, including Waterford Glass pensioners, today slammed the Government’s decision not to site a second catheterisation laboratory at the city’s hospital.

Commenting on the clinical review used to justify the decision, Unite Regional Officer Tony Kelly accused the Government of ‘moulding the questions to suit the desired outcome’, referring to the fact that the terms of reference did not include the issue of clinical risk.

“Unite members in Waterford are angry at what they see as a further sidelining of a city still struggling from a series of blows including the loss of Waterford Crystal in 2009.  This decision effectively rules out the prospect of 24/7 coronary care in a city with an above average proportion of over-65s who because of their age are more likely to need such care.

“It is particularly baffling that, as pointed out by Dr Patrick Owens, consultant cardiologist at University Hospital Waterford, the clinical review did not address the key issue of clinical risk.  When framing the terms of reference, it seems that the Government moulded the questions to fit their desired outcome.

“Unite is fully supportive of Deputy John Halligan and local campaigners in their efforts to secure optimal coronary care for the people of Waterford”, Tony Kelly concluded.