Funding problems delay opening of Naas A&E unit

The opening of a new accident and emergency department at Naas General Hospital has been delayed due to a lack of funding.

The unit was due to open this Friday, but management told staff on Monday that the move would not go ahead due to problems with funding from the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

It is unclear when the hospital now plans to open the state-of-the-art unit, which has already been built.

The Irish Nurses Organisation said the delay would prolong the problem of overcrowding for both patients and staff.