24 October, 2025
Pictured: Minister Jennifer Carroll Mac Neill T.D pictured with Prof. Mary Day (CEO St James Hospital), Anne O'Donnell (Clinical Nurse Manager III, Cardiology) and Prof Caroline Daly (Consultant Cardiologist), Siobhan Kiernan (Operations Manager), Vincent Naughton (Assistant Director of Nursing, Cardiology) at the opening of the new Cath Lab at St James Hospital in Dublin today.
Photo: Justin Farrelly.
23 October 2025
St James’s Hospital has significantly boosted its cardiac care capacity with the opening of a third Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory, officially launched by Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill.
The new facility increases the hospital’s ability to deliver life-saving cardiac procedures by 50%, treating over 400 patients each month for acute heart attacks and rhythm disorders. This expansion has already led to a 35% increase in monthly procedure volumes and a reduction in waiting times.
Heart disease remains Ireland’s leading cause of death, affecting one in two people during their lifetime. St James’s Hospital plays a critical role in national cardiac care, treating a quarter of all heart attack patients across the country annually.
Minister Carroll MacNeill praised the development, stating:
“The opening of this Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory marks an important milestone in advancing patient care and strengthening our healthcare service. It is the result of strategic investment, strong partnerships and the dedicated work of many people and represents our ongoing commitment to ensure that every patient has access to life-saving cardiac care.”
Inside the cath lab, cardiologists use minimally invasive techniques to access the heart via a small artery, guided by X-ray imaging. Procedures such as stenting, valve replacement, and rhythm correction are performed without open-heart surgery, allowing for faster recovery and fewer complications.
Prof. Caroline Daly, Consultant Cardiologist and Clinical Lead for Cardiology, said: “With this third cath lab, we can deliver faster treatment for emergency patients and increase capacity for those needing complex or elective procedures. This means safer, more efficient care and better outcomes for patients.”
The expansion also includes a new 14-bed recovery area, enabling same-day discharge for many patients. A team of 35 new specialist staff has been recruited, including a dedicated anaesthetic team to support more complex procedures under general anaesthesia.
Prof Mary Day, CEO of St James’s Hospital, added:“This is a major milestone in cardiac care at St James’s Hospital. The new cath lab and recovery area mean we can treat more patients, reduce waiting times and continue to deliver world-class care for patients in the south-east of the country.”
St James’s Hospital is one of four Comprehensive Cardiac Centres in Ireland, providing 24/7 care for patients with complex heart conditions. It remains at the forefront of medical innovation, education, and research.