The Health Service Executive has responded to reports that the processing of haematology or blood tests at Waterford Regional Hospital will face delays for months as a result of the ongoing recruitment embargo.
The HSE has said that delays in the processing of non-emergency tests at laboratories in Waterford Regional Hospital are due to temporary, routine and operational issues.
Tests that are viewed as a priority will not be affected.
The HSE also has said that laboratory services at Waterford Regional Hospital are accredited to the highest standards and that safe levels of laboratory services, adequate to present demand, are being maintained.
Staffing numbers at the haematology lab are down 45% having been attributed to recent resignations and maternity leave.
