The Government has unveiled a plan to improve cardiac services with the formation of a national cardiac clinical network.
It will have a budget of $50 million over the next four years to improve heart surgery services.
The funds will be used primarily for operations like heart bypasses and valve replacements.
Network head Dr Andrew Hamer says the current average waiting time is too long at six months. He says cardiac surgey should be carried out in half that time.
The network comprises clinical directors, doctors, nurses, anesthetists and intensive care specialists.
The Labour Party says the Government is simply reannouncing policy it issued at the end of the year - a claim the Government denies.
