George Lawlor (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Last year, the announcement of a new 97-bed unit at Wexford General Hospital was warmly greeted by the people of County Wexford. As we can imagine, the hospital is a vital component to the county and a 97-bed unit would be a substantial addition. It is badly needed and badly wanted, given the huge increase in population in Wexford over recent years. However, in response to a parliamentary question I asked, it has now emerged that the actual number of new beds that will be in Wexford General Hospital following this 97-bed unit build will be 44, as 53 beds are to be removed from the current hospital. Will the Government give a commitment to the people of Wexford that the 53 vital beds that are being removed will not be closed and that the full 97-bed promised unit will be just that: an extra 97 beds for Wexford General Hospital?

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