George Lawlor Presses Government Over Wexford Hospital Bed Shortfall
George Lawlor questioned the minister about the announced 97-bed unit for Wexford General Hospital, saying the build will result in only 44 net new beds because 53 existing beds are to be removed. He demanded a government commitment that the 53 beds will not be closed and that the 97-bed unit will be an additional 97 beds to the hospital.
The speaker said the 97-bed announcement was warmly greeted in Wexford and described Wexford General Hospital as a vital component of the county. He said a 97-bed unit would be a substantial addition, "badly needed, badly wanted," given recent population increases in Wexford.
In response to a parliamentary question from George Lawlor, it emerged that the actual number of new beds following the 97-bed build will be 44. The reduction is explained by the planned removal of 53 beds from the current hospital.
George Lawlor asked the Government to give a clear commitment that the 53 beds being removed will not be closed and that the full 97-bed promised unit will be an additional 97 beds to Wexford General Hospital. He framed the request as ensuring residents receive the capacity they were promised.
The minister replied that he would look into the matter and come back with further information. He indicated his initial understanding was that the scheme represented 44 additional beds in the overall construction, but offered to investigate and report back.
Announced 97-bed unit and local importance
The speaker said the 97-bed announcement was warmly greeted in Wexford and described Wexford General Hospital as a vital component of the county. He said a 97-bed unit would be a substantial addition, "badly needed, badly wanted," given recent population increases in Wexford.
Parliamentary question reveals net bed change
In response to a parliamentary question from George Lawlor, it emerged that the actual number of new beds following the 97-bed build will be 44. The reduction is explained by the planned removal of 53 beds from the current hospital.
Call for government commitment
George Lawlor asked the Government to give a clear commitment that the 53 beds being removed will not be closed and that the full 97-bed promised unit will be an additional 97 beds to Wexford General Hospital. He framed the request as ensuring residents receive the capacity they were promised.
Minister's initial response and next steps
The minister replied that he would look into the matter and come back with further information. He indicated his initial understanding was that the scheme represented 44 additional beds in the overall construction, but offered to investigate and report back.
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Transcript
Minister, last year the announcement of a new 97-bed unit to Wexford General Hospital was warmly greeted by the people of Wexford. As you can imagine, the hospital is a vital component to County Wexford, and a 97-bed unit would be a substantial addition, badly needed, badly wanted, given the huge increase in population in Wexford over the past number of years. However, in response to a parliamentary question by myself, it now emerges 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. Can the Government give a commitment to the people of Wexford that the 53 beds that are being removed, vital 53 beds that are being removed, will not be closed, and the full 97-bed promised unit will be just that, an extra 97 beds to Wexford General Hospital. I am happy to look into it, but my initial understanding is that that was always to be a 44 additional in the overall construction, but please do allow me to look into it and come back to you. Thank you, Minister.