Campaigners demand move on promised geriatric unit

CAMPAIGNERS who opposed the closure of a ward at Waterford’s only geriatric hospital yesterday demanded to know what plans the HSE has in relation to a new 50-bed unit promised prior to the closure, which occurred one year ago yesterday.

There has been much public objection, in the south-east in the past two years, in relation to the closure of the 19-bed St Bridget’s Ward at St Patrick’s (geriatric) Hospital on John’s Hill in the city.

The executive maintained that the closure was vital for health and safety reasons, while this has been criticised by staff at the hospital and the Friends of St Patrick’s.

The HSE has said it plans to build a new 50-bed community nursing unit as a replacement for St Bridget’s with campaigners looking to the executive for proof that the relevant finance has been allocated and a site has been sought.

Representatives from the Waterford Congress of Trade Unions, the Friends of St Patrick’s and others, have been among those taking part in lunchtime demonstrations at St Patrick’s Hospital in the city, every Tuesday for the past 19 months. The parties, who have been engaged in a number of meetings with the HSE in recent months, are unhappy with the level of progress.

Waterford City Councillor Davy Walsh yesterday said: “A year ago today they closed St Bridget’s and they still don’t have the money ring-fenced. But our resolve is stronger now than ever and the protests will continue.”