Future of operating theatre 2 is not guaranteed - Kelly

Cllr Anthony Kelly has raised questions over the legitimacy of the HSEs claims that the closure of operating theatre 2 at Wexford General Hospital is a temporary cost saving measure.  Speaking at the second protest outside the hospital in consecutive weeks, the Sinn Féin Councillor said that similar promises had been made concerning the closure of St Aidan's ward in  2010, and had clearly been broken with the failure to return 25 beds to service. 

Cllr Kelly said;

"I would have serious reservations in accepting the HSEs word that the future of operating theatre 2 will be secure after the eleven week 'temporary closure' comes to an end.  According to the timeframe given, operating theatre 2 in Wexford General Hospital is due to be closed only until the 24th of December." 

"However considering the massive cuts to the health service rumoured to be contained in budget 2013, which will be announced in early December, and taking into account the hospitals inability to operate within their restrictive budget this year, I would have justified fears concerning the future of the unit."

"We have had broken promises from the HSE in the past.  In 2010 St Aidan's ward was closed as part of a cost saving measure with the loss of twenty five beds.  The ward was only to remain closed during the summer months.  To this date those twenty five beds are still out of action."

"I have submitted a parliamentary question through the office of Deputy Caoimhghín O' Caoláin asking the Minister for Health can he guarantee that operating theatre 2 will be reopened at the end of this eleven week period, regardless of budget cuts.  In the meantime protests will continue outside the grounds of Wexford General Hospital at 1.30pm every Saturday afternoon until our theatre is reopened."