Thousands protest against proposed health cuts

More than 10,000 people have taken part in a march in Waterford protesting against health cuts.

Thousands protest against proposed health cuts

More than 10,000 people have taken part in a march in Waterford protesting against health cuts.

The demonstration took place along the city’s quays and is one of the largest in decades.

Sinn Féin Senator David Cullinane praised the thousands who came out urging the Government against plans to downgrade the local hospital.

“I want to congratulate the organisers of today’s march which sent a clear message to the Government that we will not stand idly by while they cut such a vital service from this region,” said Mr Cullinane.

“The downgrading of Waterford Regional Hospital will decimate services such as cancer care, trauma and cardiology.”

He said it would force patients from across the south-east to travel to Cork and Dublin to hospitals already stretched from cutbacks.

“It will cost lives and cost jobs,” he added.

It was recently reported that an expert group is to recommend the break-up of the south-east hospital network.

This, according to reports, would see some services transferred from Waterford Regional Hospital to Cork.

The group is said to have suggested linking the hospital in Waterford to the much larger Cork University Hospital.

Other proposals include aligning Wexford General Hospital and St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny with counterparts in Dublin.

The recommendations are expected to be made to Health Minister James Reilly.

Mr Cullinane marched with his wife, councillor Kathleen Funchion, and their two sons.

They have argued the downgrading of the hospital would strip vital services and hit young and old people across Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Irish homelessness Government criticised for missing social and affordable housing targets
National Risk Assessment for Ireland Tánaiste urges Israel ‘to show humanity’ and allow more aid into Gaza
Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality Lego set based on RNLI lifeboat could soon become a reality
War_map
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited