St Lukes is busiest ED in the country as ward re-opening is deferred

Today was the day pencilled in for the re-opening of Surgical 2 at St Lukes Hospital for Carlow-Kilkenny.

The 30 bed ward has been undergoing essential maintenance work in recent months.

However the Ireland East Hospital Group has confirmed to KCLR news today that the ward is not scheduled now to open until this Thursday November 9th.

In the meantime figures from the Irish Nurses and Midwives organisation today place St Lukes as the busiest emergency department in the country with 36 people on trolleys.

A spokesperson says a significant number continue to present with complex issues at the hospital but St Lukes is working to discharge patients where possible.