Protesters keep candles burning for health services

More than 1,000 protesters have held a vigil of light at Waterford Regional Hospital, to protest against a feared loss of services.

The men, women and children of all ages proceeded to walk around the main hospital building on Saturday evening in a symbolic gesture aimed at demonstrating their determination to protect health facilities in the region.

They carried candles, torches and glow-sticks to form a vigil of light on a date traditionally given over to Christmas shopping. The procession came amid ongoing speculation that the southeast hospital network may be broken up by the Government with, many fear, a consequent loss in services from Waterford, to Cork and Dublin.