Wexford hospital fire having 'huge impact' on already-busy St Luke's in Kilkenny - Taoiseach

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has acknowledged that the fire that badly damaged Wexford General Hospital has had a 'huge impact' on St Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny.

The local hospital has seen high overcrowding figures in recent weeks, despite the traditionally less busy time of year. On a particularly busy day this week (Monday), INMO figures showed 39 patients waiting on a bed here.

Speaking in the Dáíl this week, Independent TD Verona Murphy asked the Taoiseach about Wexford General Hospital, noting that the restoration process is ongoing.

"[The Taoiseach] visited the hospital when the fire occurred and assured the management and people at that time that all stops would be pulled out to ensure not only restoration but that the new 97-bed block extension would be built as soon as possible," she said.

Deputy Murphy said the only question the people of Wexford are asking is if and when the 97-bed block will be delivered in tandem with the restoration works that are ongoing. 

Responding Mr Varadkar said the new 97-bed block would be delivered as soon as is possible.

"I wish I could give the Deputy a date of a week or a month hence. I cannot do that at present, but it will be delivered as soon as possible," he said.

The Taoiseach said he did not want to put a date on it or give the Deputy a month he could not necessarily stand over. 

"We are keen to get the hospital back functioning as soon as possible. It is currently working at approximately 60% capacity," he said.

"That is having a huge impact on Waterford and Kilkenny so we must ensure it is up and running fully as soon as possible."