Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue. We were all shocked at the potential impact of such a disastrous fire in one of our major acute hospitals. If you stand back and think about what the implications could have been, it is clear we owe an extraordinary debt of gratitude to all of the essential services involved, especially the fire service and Civil Defence personnel who got there quickly and marshalled their resources expertly to reduce the impact of the fire, but also everybody working in the hospital and the HSE who managed to take out 207 patients under very stressful circumstances with no fatalities. We should pay tribute to all involved, first responders and emergency services. I will add to that the National Ambulance Service, which did incredible work in transporting patients from a very acute and stressful scene to other hospitals. At times, we can be rightly critical of our services but, at other times, we need to salute the bravery and courage of our fire service and all involved in activating the local and area emergency plans so effectively and efficiently. That underlines the importance of emergency planning and everybody putting the shoulder to the wheel to prevent disaster. I say that sincerely in respect of all involved.

Gabhaim buíochas leis na seirbhísí éigeandála agus gach éinne a bhí páirteach aréir as ucht an mhéid a dheineadar. Gan amhras, tá an ceart ag an Teachta go gcaithfidh an Rialtas gach aon rud is féidir linn a dhéanamh chun cabhair agus tacaíocht a thabhairt do mhuintir Loch Garman, pobal an ospidéil, gach éinne atá ag obair ann agus na hothair ach go háirithe. Táimid agus beimid sásta é seo a dhéanamh. Tá sé sin ríthábhachtach.

It is a big blow to the health services in the south east. It will have an impact on existing services as regards capacity to absorb and develop. Everything that can be done will be done to restore services as quickly as possible. A helpline has been established and can be reached at 053 9153012. It is for patients and families of patients. The Deputy is correct when he says that communication with families and with people awaiting appointments and so on in the coming days is very important. The HSE is aware of that. In many ways, the services are still in an emergency phase in managing the patient aspect and dimension of this. I refer not only to those who were in the hospital, but also to those who were scheduled to come to the hospital and those awaiting outpatient treatment. The HSE and the Minister will work with Government colleagues to determine how service provision - I am particularly thinking about diagnostics and outpatient care - in the interim period can be organised as quickly as possible, potentially in different locations, to get certain basic things done. I refer to things such as the restoration of minor injuries units in the quick phase. Obviously, the implications of this fire for the general structure of the hospital and its impact on services will have to be assessed but we are focused on and conscious of the need to get services back as quickly as we can. There is a significant continuum of services involved, ranging from outpatient care and diagnostics right through to acute and emergency care. It will be challenging. There is no point in saying it will not. However, I would like to think that, as we rebuild from the ashes of this fire, we can create a modern 21st century facility in Wexford.

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