Mick Wallace (Wexford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In 2010, before Wexford was merged with Waterford, there were 31 acute beds in St. Senan's hospital and 44 in Waterford, giving a total of 75 beds. Today, there are just 44 because St. Senan's has closed and the population has increased by 20,000 in the region. I am aware there are five beds in Newcastle in north Wicklow. It appears that the service in Wexford has decreased. Most of the indicators show that Wexford is a more deprived region than most and with almost 24% unemployment, one can understand why that is the case. On the ground, there is significant concern that the resources available are not matching demand. Perhaps the Government would look at the issue again and see whether something can be done even in the short term.

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