Kelly calls for explanation over closure of Wexford Operating Theatre

Cllr Anthony Kelly has called on Minister Brendan Howlin to explain why an operating theatre in Wexford General Hospital is allegedly closing today.  The Sinn Féin rep, who has been contacted by many worried constituents over the weekend, said that the Minister needs to clarify exactly what is happening and to confirm that this is not an act of downgrading of crucial services at our county hospital.

Cllr Kelly said;

“Rumours are rife that operating theatre 2 at Wexford General Hospital will close today, Monday October 8^th, for an undefined period.  Such a closure would be detrimental to services at our local hospital, putting both under pressure staff and patients in a dire position.”

"I am calling on Minister Brendan Howlin, a man who campaigned with myself and others against the threat of downgrading at Wexford General during the reign of the Fianna Fail government, to immediately come on local radio and clarify the situation.  People are worried and Sinn Féin believes the only way to quench these fears is for the Minister to guarantee that he is absolutely opposed to any form of downgrading at our local hospital and is resolved to stand against such measures."

"I would also renew my call on Minister Howlin to confirm that there will be adequate staff available to man the new A&E unit currently under construction at Wexford General when it opens."

"Sinn Féin has been at the forefront of the campaign to protect services at Wexford General Hospital for the last decade.  I have personally called upon the people of Wexford to take to the streets before in order to safeguard our hospital and I will have no hesitation in doing so again if the situation demands it."