New signage at a south east hospital has caused a bit of a stir.
Wexford General Hospital has dropped the word 'Saint' from ward names.
Fianna Fáil Councillor in New Ross John Fleming has expressed his dissatisfaction towards the move, he said "what they're after doing is taking back basically the Saint off the names - like Saint Catherine's is now Catherine's.
The strange one to me is that another way of looking at it is - what's the cost of it?
Also the management, this is time and money I'd say doing something that doesn't need necessarily to be done.
Another way is if you're a patient there on trolley - are you looking over at the ward to see what name is on it?
Whether there is St. on it or not I think - you'd be more worried about your treatment and care in a hospital.
I think it's kind of a waste of time and money."
In a statement from the HSE they said, "WGH conducted a short sample survey. It was determined by the majority, that religious symbols should be removed.
It was felt that the hospital needed to move towards more modern signage and in consideration for a more secular society."
They went on to say, "WGH has a large plague at the entrance to the Hospital commemorating their religious founders the John of God sisters.
The hospital also has an oratory for staff and patients where Mass is celebrated which provides a place of quiet contemplation.
All and no faith traditions are treated with respect and dignity at Wexford General Hospital."
