Cllr Anthony Kelly concerned over future of Wexford General Hospital

Wexford Sinn Féin have called on the countys three government TDs; Paul Kehoe, Liam Twomey and Brendan Howlin, to give their personal pledge of honour that no further downgrading of any kind will take place at Wexford General Hospital. The call comes following hospital confirmation that they are running over budget and must initiate monetary restrictions. Cllr Anthony Kelly has said that budget restrictions cannot be ignored but must be met in a way that doesn’t impact on the quality of service for patients or on the ability of hospital staff to do their job.

“I’m very anxious over rumours concerning Wexford General Hospital and possible cut backs there,” Cllr Kelly said. “Wexford Sinn Féin have received many worried phone calls and we are taking the situation very seriously. We understand that the hospital is in danger of running far over budget, but this will not give anyone a license to cull vital services or staff. Budget restrictions could have a detrimental effect on staff and patients and such a scenario must be avoided. Wexford Sinn Féin have requested an urgent meeting with hospital management to discuss the situation there. I understand that the management of Wexford General Hospital will do their utmost to insure that any budget corrections will be made without damaging the quality of service there. Our three government TDs must step in and guarantee that this is made possible.”

“Wexford Sinn Féin have long campaigned for a better health service for this county. We were at the forefront of last years hospital march and led a campaign to find the missing funding for the A&E extension project recently. We are ready and willing to return to a protest campaign if frontline services are threatened at Wexford General. I don’t like hearing people say that emergency measures might have to be implemented for a short period. Emergency measures were implemented for a short period last year when St Aidans ward was closed. Unfortunantly it never returned in a full capacity and has resulted in a loss of beds at our hospital. That is downgrading by stealth and the people of this county wont stand for it. Paul Kehoe, Liam Twomey and Brendan Howlin must reassure the people of County Wexford that no further downgrading of any kind will be initiated ,regardless of the circumstances, by each giving their own personal pledge of honour that they will not allow such a tragedy to occur.