'Everybody reacts to burning toast now': Wexford hospital pleased to be busy after fire

Damage to the roof at Wexford General Hospital after a fire forced an evacuation of the building last March. 

Even a mild whiff of burning toast gets an immediate reaction now in Wexford General Hospital following a shocking fire last March, hospital manager Linda O’ Leary said.

This month has been extremely busy, with more than 1,000 patients weekly at the emergency department in a significant increase — but underlying that is relief.

Over 200 patients were evacuated without harm when the blaze erupted, the first such large fire to close an Irish hospital.

“An absolute miracle,” Ms O'Leary said. “It was absolutely, that we had such an event without any negative impact or catastrophic impact for patients or staff, it was hugely positive.” 

Some 90 patients were transferred to other hospitals and some staff redeployed, giving patients some familiar voices around them.

“They did follow patients, but maybe not a specific patient,” she explained.

“One of the wards in Kilkenny became fondly known as the Wexford ward. There might have been a bit of purple and gold on display in Kilkenny.” 

She praised staff as well as emergency services and Wexford County Council for their work that night and in the aftermath.

Wexford hospital general manager Linda O'Leary: 'People are very fire-safety conscious here in the hospital.'

However, a number of investigations, including by gardaí, the HSE, and the Health & Safety Authority, could not identify the cause of the fire.

“The investigations have been inconclusive,” Ms O'Leary said. “It was an extensive fire.” 

The restoration work has focused on fire certs and checks.

“People are very fire-safety conscious here in the hospital, not that we weren’t beforehand but everybody reacts to burning toast now,” she said.

“When the smoke alarm or an alarm is triggered, everybody will go to see why the fire alarm activated. There’s a higher level of vigilance.” 

Maternity services at the hospital re-opened within days. However, the emergency department remained closed until late July as extensive damage meant patients could not be admitted if seriously ill.

This was a matter of huge concern locally, with ambulances re-directed to other hospitals.

Ms O’Leary said re-opening the ED was a priority, saying the flu, covid-19, and RSV meant January has been “a challenge” even with everyone back in their normal roles.

“It has been busy. In terms of ED attendances we would see in excess of 1,000 patients every week, and have done for the last 11 weeks,” she said. “That would be significant growth on previous years.” 

During the closure, neighbouring University Hospital Waterford said they saw a spike in ED patient numbers at "an average daily increase of 40%” following the fire.

Ms O’ Leary said: “I would like to thank the people of Co Wexford for their patience. I know it was very challenging for them, and very concerning for them when they were ill.” 

Staff felt “hugely supported” locally, and by hospitals and healthcare organisations across the region, she said.

Looking forward, she sees progress on expanding the hospital.

“We have approval for a very significant capital project here, which would be a 97-bed ward block so we submitted our application for planning permission in December,” she said.

A new MRI unit has also been in the planning for some time, which Ms O'Leary expects to make “a big difference” for patients.