TD slams failure to open wing at hospital

THE beds are made and the pillows are fluffed, but there are no patients in the new wing of James Connolly Hospital.

Almost €100 million has been spent on the new facility in the hospital in Blanchardstown, West Dublin, but the equipment is wrapped in cellophane and lying unused, according to Labour TD Joan Burton. Efforts to get an exact opening date for the new wing from Junior Health Minister Ivor Callely failed yesterday.

“I will be very happy to ensure you are invited,” Mr Callely sarcastically told Deputy Burton. The minister added that construction of the new hospital building is nearly completed.