More than three months after the devastating fire that wreaked havoc in Wexford General Hospital (WGH) - Tuesday, July 25 has been confirmed as the long-awaited reopening date for services in the Emergency Department (ED).
While WGH continued to operate in a reduced capacity, through services in its Minor Injuries Unit and Acute Medical Assessment Unit, all emergency cases were diverted to neighbouring hospitals in Waterford, Kilkenny and Dublin.
The situation supplied increased pressure on the health system in Ireland, particularly on neighbours Waterford, who have struggled with the increase in patients.
Finally, the news we've all been waiting for in relation to #Wexford General Hospital. A date has been set for the re-opening of the Emergency Department following the fire which ripped through the building on March 1.https://t.co/ZYQjIzELIM
— Pádraig Byrne (@byrne_padraig) June 9, 2023
WGH manager Linda O'Leary stated that while ED services will resume, the hospital will not be back to full capacity on that date.
She said: "I’m delighted to advise you that the Emergency Department will reopen on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.
"Although the ED service will be reinstated, the hospital will not have returned to full bed capacity on this date. This means that there will be greater pressure on the ED service when it reopens and the wider hospital. Contingency plans, however, will be in place to mitigate the shortfall.
"Work continues to expedite the full reopening of all wards and beds. It is expected that full bed capacity will be returned by the end of August.
"In the meantime, we are working to continue with contingency arrangements established since the fire, which have proved very successful and provided services to the population of County Wexford."
Ms O'Leary moved to thank the continued efforts of all of the staff at the hospital, as well as the HSE and the many contractors working day and night toward the resumption of services.
Fianna Fáil Senator in Wexford, Malcolm Byrne, has welcomed the news. The local Senator said: "After a horrendous fire and terrible water damage, the team that worked to ensure the Emergency Department reopening deserves so much praise.
"A four-month turnaround is a remarkable achievement, and I would like to congratulate all involved in getting us to this point.
"With the new 96-bed unit a top priority, the future for Wexford General is looking much brighter."
You can keep up to date with the latest information about services at WGH here.
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website Beat102103.com.
