"Senator Maurice Cummins described the answer he received from Junior Minister Sean Haughey on the closure of St. Brigid's Ward as a load of tripe and rubbish and typical of the dysfunctional Health Administration and Health Service that this country has to endure.

"The statement that the closure of this Ward will not result in the reduction of beds available in Waterford is just nonsense and highlights the bureaucratic nonsense that is emanating from the HSE said Senator Cummins.

"Whilst the safety of residents must always be the first concern Senator Cummins said that a new firewall and fire escape was already in place in St. Brigid's Ward and the "Friends of St. Patrick's" were willing to assist financially with any further work that was required. "Waterford is treated unfairly in this HSE Service Plan, and Fianna Fail TD's and Local Representatives must stand up and be counted on this issue.

The bottom line is that the new proposed 50-bed unit should be put in place before any ward closures are even contemplated said Senator Cummins.