The HSE says there was a 6% increase in overall admissions to St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny last year, however, the number of inpatient beds has not increased.
It comes after St Luke’s consultant Obstetrician, Professor Ray O’Sullivan, raised his concerns about the possibility that women who have just given birth may find themselves on corridors in St Luke’s Hospital.
Professor O’Sullivan warned that changes management are trying to implement at the hospital, will have consequences for local women.
When contacted by KCLR news for comment, the HSE said that all options to increase the current bed capacity are being explored, including both onsite and offsite options.
An area that was decommissioned for patient use almost nine years ago will be reconverted back to an inpatient ward for surge capacity.
Some essential works to upgrade the maternity unit to improve the overall environment for women and their babies is also being planned.
The HSE also say the number of births at St Luke’s Hospital has decreased over time, but the number of beds at the maternity unit has not.
