Hospital protest must be kept focused – Kelly

Cllr Anthony Kelly has called upon individuals and groups attending this Saturdays protest against the closure of operating theatre 2 at Wexford General Hospital to keep the focus of the event on the loss of services at the hospital. Cllr Kelly admitted that people were angry over an array of issues at the moment but insisted that this protest was solely about trying to get the decision to close operating theatre 2 reversed.

Cllr Kelly said;

“While we acknowledge that all the effects of government cuts are interconnected, Sinn Féin would ask people to keep focused on the issue at the heart of this protest – the closure of operating theatre 2. We don’t want the very serious events unfolding at Wexford General Hospital to be swallowed up by the many other issues facing people this Saturday.”

“I am involved in several campaigns at the moment but I will not be bringing these issues into this protest on Saturday. I would ask others to do the same. All are welcome at this protest but please try to keep banners and placards relevant to the hospital and the closure of operating theatre 2. This is about getting the decision to close the theatre reversed.”

Cllr Kelly also called on people attending the march to be respectful of patients and visitors in the hospital.

“This protest will be dignified. We can send a very clear message to the government and Minister Reilly that the people of Wexford will not accept any downgrading of Wexford General without infringing on the patients or visitors entering the hospital. I would ask everyone attending to be respectful to patients inside the hospital.”

The protest against the closure of operating theatre 2 will be held outside the hospital grounds on Saturday afternoon. Those attending are asked to meet by the traffic lights at the entrance to the hospital slip-road at 1:30pm.