Health Minister Opens Newly Refurbished Ward at St Luke’s Hospital

Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, the Minister for Health, officially inaugurated the newly refurbished Medical 3 ward at St Luke’s General Hospital in Kilkenny on October 26, 2023. This significant development follows extensive renovation efforts aimed at enhancing patient care and increasing capacity during the winter months.

The Medical 3 ward was previously a decommissioned surgical unit that has now been transformed to include 14 additional beds. This repurposing is expected to facilitate the hospital’s capacity to manage increased patient numbers, particularly during the winter surge. Alongside the expansion of bed capacity, the refurbishment focused on upgrading inpatient facilities and improving compliance with infection prevention and control standards.

Minister Carroll MacNeill emphasized the importance of the new ward, stating, “The newly refurbished medical ward will help make a real difference to people needing treatment and care in St Luke’s General Hospital.” She highlighted that this enhancement will bolster the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) regional capacity to meet the growing healthcare demands of the local population.

Niamh Lacey, the Hospital Manager, expressed her gratitude for the hard work of the staff, stating, “These refurbished beds will provide much-needed capacity at St Luke’s General Hospital and will help us to continue to care for our patients with dedication and dignity.” Lacey also noted the significance of the new ward in supporting the hospital’s commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare for residents of both Kilkenny and Carlow.

The opening of the Medical 3 ward marks a vital step in enhancing healthcare services in the region, ensuring that patients receive timely and effective treatment. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, investments like this are essential for maintaining the well-being of the community.

As St Luke’s General Hospital prepares to welcome more patients, the commitment from both the government and hospital administration reflects a proactive approach to healthcare, ensuring that the needs of the community are met with compassion and efficiency.