For 75 years Gorey District Hospital has been serving the people of Gorey and North Wexford… is it’s end in sight? Pic: Christy Farrell.

The North Wexford community is shocked by the revelation that Gorey District Hospital is facing imminent closure within months if it fails to be compliant with issues raised by HIQA (Health Information and Quality Authority).

Although listed as “a nursing home” in the report, there are 21 public nursing homes nationally, including Gorey, that have been identified by HIQA as failing to meet required standards and that these facilities have until July to achieve the required standards.

However, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has not budgeted for any additional capital provision to invest in Gorey in 2015.

“This report is alarming. It makes both social and economic sense that such health care facilities are provided in the community,” said Cllr Malcolm Byrne.

Hopes for some kind of a reprieve for Gorey District Hospital were dealt a serious blow this afternoon when An Taoiseach, Enda Kenny T.D., admitted there is not enough money to fix all 21 nursing homes that could be closed because they are not up to standard.

It was also confirmed today that none of the facilities, including Gorey, have been earmarked for capital investment in the HSE service plan for this year.

Fianna Fáil leader, Micheál Martin, T.D., accused the Taoiseach of failing to give certainty on the issue.

Full story in this week’s edition of THE GOREY ECHO.