Concerns raised over future of Wexford hospital

Cllr Anthony Kelly has raised concerns over the future of Wexford General Hospital and the viability of its new A&E unit following the announcement that €130 million will be cut from the HSE's budget this year.  The Sinn Féin rep has called on Minister Brendan Howlin to clarify the situation and make it clear if he will stand by his government's massive cuts to our health service even if it leads to downgrading of services at Wexford General and a lack of staff to man the new A&E unit.

Cllr Kelly said;

"These latest cuts to our health service are truly horrific and will impact worst of all on the most vulnerable in our society.  As well as cutting services for home health, there is to be a further reduction in spending on the use of agency staff and on overtime.  With the recruitment embargo still in place, agency staff and the use of overtime has been a necessity to keep basic services running."

"Sinn Féin would have great concerns that there will be no staff available to man the new A&E unit at Wexford General Hospital when it's completed.  This new round of cuts increases our worries and places the future of this new A&E unit, and other vital services at Wexford General Hospital, in a precarious position."

"The Chairman of the Labour Party, Colm Keaveney, and Deputy Pat Rabbitte have both made statements in the wake of the announcement of these new cuts that indicate that the their party will not stand over this regressive move.  Sinn Féin would welcome local Minister Brendan Howlin's view on the situation.  In particular we would call on the Minister to clarify whether or not he will stand by the government if they implement cuts that endanger the new A&E unit or lead to any downgrading or loss of services at Wexford General Hospital."