Save Waterford - Hospitals a basic need

More than 12,000 people marched on Saturday in support of the Save Waterford campaign, organised by a lobby group objecting to the possible downgrading of Waterford Regional Hospital.

Maybe the gesture is premature, but the public anxiety is understandable, as Waterford has suffered more than its share of setbacks.

Organisers of the march blamed their problems on “Government neglect”, The city has suffered high-profile job losses, which have left the area with a frighteningly high rate of unemployment. This is a sad reflection not only on Waterford City and county, but on the whole country. Waterford undoubtedly had one of the highest international profiles in the area of industry of any city in the country. It essentially had its own brand.

The demise of Waterford Crystal was a major blow to Irish industry and commerce. On top of this, Waterford Airport is clearly being downgraded, with the announcement last week that Aer Arann is discontinuing its services at the airport. There is talk now about Waterford Regional Hospital and South Tipperary General Hospital linking up with Cork University Hospital and St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny.

People may argue that not every city needs an airport, but surely every city needs a good functioning hospital.