Kerry TD says lack of phlebotomy services is putting lives at risk

A Kerry TD has criticised University Hospital Kerry for its lack of phlebotomy services.

Michael Healy-Rae claims that a situation has developed where people’s lives are being put at risk because of the subsequent delay in diagnosis.

Phlebotomy is the taking of a sample from a blood vessel.

A spokesperson for UHK said the hospital offers a seven-day phlebotomy service, however there has been a recent slight reduction in daily operations as a result of staff recruitment challenges.

A recruitment process is currently underway to address the issue.