Jack Wall (Kildare South, Labour)

I thank Deputy Stagg for sharing time with me to discuss this issue.

I express my sincere regret that the extension to Naas General Hospital has not been included in the draft capital plan. I recently contacted staff at the hospital about a very serious and difficult case that had occurred overseas in which I was trying to assist. I was delighted with the excellent reply I received. Recent visits to the hospital show how much the new hospital means to the patients, the staff and the general public. As my colleague has stated, it is unfortunate to see how the use of trolleys has taken away from the overall project. The loss to the area of physiotherapy and occupational therapy services is significant. County Kildare and west Wicklow have seen a significant increase in population.

This is a draft capital plan with the possibility that Naas can be included. We are asking on behalf of our constituents that the Minister and the HSE reconsider and ensure that Naas hospital is completed to allow it to develop as a hospital of excellence for the people of Kildare and west Wicklow.

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