Serious concerns have been expressed in Gorey following a leaked report from the Trauma Steering Group which proposes to close the emergency trauma service at Wexford General Hospital which would result in a twice as long a journey to accident and emergency care at either Waterford Regional Hospital or similar hospitals in Dublin.

At present, it takes about 40 minutes to reach Wexford General Hospital, but if the proposed plan to axe A&E goes ahead, it takes roughly around the same time – one hour and 20 minutes – to travel to Waterford or Dublin.

Those worst affected would be the most vulnerable, victims of road traffic collisions, accidents at work or in the home, those suffering from head injuries, broken limbs and major wounds.

Because of its location, Gorey and North Wexford would be seriously affected, although bringing injured parties to Dublin has the advantage of the motorway.

The public in Gorey are already critical of the HSE services in the area with a history of long unacceptable waiting times for ambulances to arrive from as far away as New Ross and Baltinglass to accidents and medical emergencies.

Full story in THE GOREY ECHO.