UPDATE (12pm, Monday, 10th February) – see statements from HSE spokesperson below
Earlier story;
A New Ross councillor claims the Wexford is a victim of “medical apartheid”.
Independent Michael Sheehan says HSE delays over plans for a new primary care and ambulance centre in New Ross are putting lives at risk.
Councillor Sheehan says the old fire station on Michael Street in the town centre is earmarked for redevelopment – but he wants a clear time-line on when the new services will be available, noting; “They’ve since said they’re going for a public tender and they’re putting it out til then but it’s not there yet so I’m looking for answers to find out when there will be a tender for New Ross and a tender for south Wexford, it’s becoming a case of medical apartheid where your Eircode will determine what kind of service you will get from the HSE, so I’m looking for answers and I’m looking for the process and I’m looking for completion”.
Statements from the HSE
“The HSE is committed to the development of a new Primary Care Centre (PCC) in New Ross, Co. Wexford.
“The requirement for a Primary Care Centre in New Ross to serve the town and surrounding areas was identified as a priority location for a PCC in recent years and its development will establish a focal point for provision of primary and community healthcare in New Ross and the surrounding areas. It will enable greater integration and enhance service delivery.
“The Primary Care Services that will be available in the new Primary Care Centre will include (but not limited to): Public Health Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Dietetics, Podiatry, Psychology, Social Work, Community Medical Doctors, Dental, Ophthalmology and Social Inclusion Services. This Primary Care Centre will also accommodate primary care services including Specialist Teams for Chronic Disease Management.
“Following a comprehensive review and engagement with other care groups the new proposal will include additional services including: Disability Services (Children’s Disability Network Team), Older Persons, Mental Health Services and Health and Wellbeing services.
“The project in New Ross is being delivered by way of the HSE’s Primary Care Centre operational lease model and has been re-advertised on the E-Tenders procurement (https://www.etenders.gov.ie/epps/home.do) platform.”
Second Statement;
“The New Ross base of the HSE’s National Ambulance Service is currently located on the grounds of New Haughton Hospital in the town.
“The HSE is committed to this station’s replacement with a new, upgraded facility.
“Following the opening in November 2022 of a new fire station at Hewittsland, New Ross, Co. Wexford, the site at Michael St., containing that service’s previous premises, was subsequently acquired by the HSE.
“Consequent to securing a new location, the National Ambulance Service reviewed the brief for a replacement base. This has resulted in an increased size of the project. An amended layout has now been agreed with a design team and a revised capital submission will be required.”
