Health Minister urged to honour hospital unit election pledge

HEALTH Minister Dr James Reilly was yesterday called on to honour a pre-election pledge over the development in Waterford of a 50-bed community unit in the grounds of a geriatric hospital.

The HSE closed the 19-bed St Bridget’s Ward at St Patrick’s geriatric hospital in Waterford city two years ago. Campaigners have been protesting at the hospital since.

The HSE at the time maintained the closure was vital but the decision was criticised by staff and local campaigners such as the Friends of St Patrick’s.