Cathaoirleach of Ballinasloe Municipal District and Regional Health Authority West -Northwest member, Cllr Evelyn Parsons, has called on the HSE to expand interventional radiology services at Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH) from the current three-day service to a five-day service. The expansion of services would require the appointment of a second Consultant Interventional Radiologist. Raising the issue with HSE West and North West through the Regional Health Forum, Cllr Parsons highlighted the critical role interventional radiology plays in contemporary healthcare.
In response, the HSE confirmed that there are currently no defined plans to expand interventional radiology services at Portiuncula University Hospital. However, it acknowledged an identified need for a seventh Radiologist post and confirmed that a Regional Clinical Director for Radiology is currently being appointed. The HSE also stated that a regional strategy for interventional radiology will be developed in line with the recently published National Model of Care for Interventional Radiology.
Commenting following the response, Cllr Parsons said: “Interventional radiology is no longer an optional service – it is a fundamental component of modern healthcare. It supports emergency medicine, trauma, cancer treatment, vascular care, surgery and maternity services, often providing minimally invasive procedures that improve outcomes, reduce hospital stays and avoid more invasive surgery, said Cllr Parsons.
“Portiuncula must not be overlooked. As a busy Model 3 hospital serving a large rural catchment across East Galway and surrounding counties, it is essential that investment in interventional radiology at PUH forms part of future regional planning,” said Cllr Dr Evelyn Parsons.
“This presents an important opportunity to strengthen services at Portiuncula University Hospital and ensure patients have equitable access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic care closer to home, in keeping with the principles of Sláintecare. Equitable access to the full range of modern healthcare services, regardless of where people live, is something I will continue to advocate for.
She added that strengthening interventional radiology capacity would also support regional healthcare objectives, improve patient flow, enhance resilience across the hospital network and underpin the long-term sustainability of key services at PUH.
