Opposition silenced with hospital investment - Hoctor

The securing of contracts to the sum of €2.7m for the development of Nenagh Hospital flies in the face of the unfounded claims by the Opposition that Nenagh Hospital was to close, claims local Fianna Fáil TD, Máire Hoctor.

These funds, which were announced by Deputy Hoctor a couple of weeks ago, secure a two room endoscopy suite to be operated by the resident consultant gastro-entrologist, which will serve local patient need for scopes, reducing the numbers listed for scopes at the Mid West Regional Hospital in Limerick.

"Bringing the needs for enhancement at Nenagh Hospital to Government has been a continued occupation of mine," states the Nenagh based Deputy. "I have worked hard to see that Government policy is delivered on the upgrading of facilities and services at Nenagh Hospital."

"I am also pleased to confirm the signing of the contracts for two new lifts at the hospital which are crucial for ease of accessibility," continued Deputy Hoctor. "The public meetings orchestrated mainly by the Labour Party in the lead up to the local elections, attempted to create a fear in the public which had no foundation."

"Continuous Fianna Fáil led Governments have a firm record of delivery to our hospital since 1936 when Nenagh Hospital was first opened. The signing of these contracts is a clear statement of commitment by this Government to oversee the enhancement of services at Nenagh. I am pleased to be in a position to deliver on these commitments and will ensure that the new theatres next for development will also to delivered."

"The recent introduction of the new orthopaedic consultant at Nenagh will reduce the waiting lists and the move to introduce maxillo facial surgery at Nenagh Hospital in mid January 2010 is indeed a positive development," Deputy Hoctor concluded.