What are the priority issues for Carlow/Kilkenny?
There are two counties involved so the issues are diverse. One issue though that concerns both counties is the lack of adequate hospital facilities. There’s no hospital now in Carlow town; it was closed down in the 1980s so both counties are dependent on St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny. In an emergency the half-hour trip from Carlow can be fatal. There have also been concerns that the maternity and paediatric units in St Luke’s could be closed down. I’m eight months’ pregnant now myself so I’m keenly aware of the importance of having these facilities locally. I’ve been attending St Luke’s during my pregnancy. The nurses and doctors are wonderful but the hospital is under-staffed. I’ve found that there can be as many as three patients being examined at once in the same room for want of adequate facilities. The last time I went for an examination I had to stand for a half an hour in the waiting room until I got seen to. St Luke’s Hospital needs upgrading all-round. The closure last year o
