FG members clash as hospital branded ‘worst in country’

Two Fine Gael Oireachtas members have clashed over the future of Waterford Regional Hospital after one described it as “the worst hospital of its kind in the country”.

The row between Senator Michael D’Arcy from Wexford and Waterford TD Paudie Coffey comes in the run-up to a decision due to be made by the Government before Christmas on the future of hospital networks.

An expert report is believed to have recommended the break-up of the south-east hospital network and the linking of Waterford Regional Hospital and South Tipperary General Hospital with Cork University Hospital, while general hospitals in Kilkenny and Wexford would partner with teaching hospitals in Dublin.

Paudie Coffey yesterday threatened to leave the Fine Gael party if such a decision was made.

He claimed the move would lead to Waterford losing specialities such as cancer care and cardiology.

He also called on Senator D’Arcy to withdraw comments made regarding WRH.

The Wexford-based senator yesterday repeated criticisms of WRH he made on Wednesday night in the Seanad.

“I had to say that, in my opinion, it was probably the worst hospital of its kind in the country.”

His view, he said yesterday, was based on “personal, calamitous interaction with WRH” but he declined to go into more detail.

“My view of the worst thing we can allow happen is we have a conversation and say Waterford is fine. In my view it’s not and the standards there are not up to an acceptable standard. If we leave it the way it is, in an unacceptable position, we’re doomed.”

He agreed, he said, with the suggestion that Wexford General Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny be partnered with St Vincent’s Hospital and St James’s Hospital in Dublin, saying “improved infrastructure” in the road and rail networks meant shorter journey times.

“A person in Co Wexford can go to St Vincent’s in an ambulance in little over an hour.”

He described a vote by medical staff at Wexford, in favour of remaining within the south-east network, as “a terrible decision”.

His party colleague Paudie Coffey said Mr D’Arcy’s comments were “irresponsible and reckless” and called on him to withdraw the claims.

“He has cast a slur on the reputations of all workers at WRH, which is very unfair. He’s a Fine Gael government member and I’m saying it’s wrong,” he said. “He’s a senator, he’s probably just trying to be relevant at the moment in the debate for his own immediate electorate and I don’t think it’s helpful.”

Asked if a decision to break-up the south-east network would affect his own position in Fine Gael, Mr Coffey said: “I would be considering my position if it did go that far.”