A decision regarding the future organisation of St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny and acute hospital services in the south-east is to be made in coming months but fears are that Kilkenny may lose two of its vital departments.
The health services in Co Kilkenny and the south east region are currently under review and it is understood that there will be changes to the reconfiguration of the services in this region sooner rather than later.
In a statement to the media this week the HSE said that no decisions have been taken as of yet in relation to the reconfiguration of acute hospitals in the south-east. However, the statement did infer that changes were imminent.
The HSE was responding to recent media comments regarding the future organisation of acute hospital services in the south-east .
Richard Dooley, the HSE’s hospital network manager, says that no decision has been taken in respect to counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford and the services remain under review.
There are significant fears that the hospital will be dramatically downgraded and particularly the maternity unit and the A+E unit of St Luke’s will be shut down and most likely moved to Waterford Regional Hospital.
In a bid to clarify the ongoing process, Mr Dooley said, “the HSE has established a steering group and it is carrying out a detailed examination of all the issues and looking at the best way for acute hospitals in the south-east network to work together in the future, to provide quality service as defined by international best practice.”
He said, “the steering group is comprised of the clinical directors from each of the four acute hospitals in the south east (St Luke’s General and Kilcreene Orthopaedic Hospital for Carlow/Kilkenny, South Tipperary General Hospital and Waterford Regional Hospital and Wexford General Hospital ), in addition to representatives of HSE management, its population health dept and clinicians. A final decision will only be taken by the steering group at the conclusion of what will be a very comprehensive review.”
“Over the next few months, the HSE’s steering group will be progressing a communication plan with the people of counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford as regards planning the future delivery of acute hospital services. Meetings with hospital management and staff, clinicians, patient groups, public representatives and engagement with general practitioners are planned. Working together, I’m confident that we can arrive at a model that will achieve the best possible outcome for our patients,” said Mr Dooley.
