Some 20 nurses at Wexford General Hospital are currently on maternity leave, but cannot be replaced because of the HSE embargo.There is also a bed crisis in the hospital, with 20 people on trolleys overnight on Tuesday. Hospital manager Teresa Hanrahan said she sought HSE approval to replace all 20 staff, but added: “We, like other hospitals, have a budget which is very tight this year.” She said the cost of paying six months of maternity leave meant it is not possible to pay for replacements. She is asking local GPs to take up the shortfall at the hospital by caring for the sick at home.

Hospital management is calling on the public not to attend the emergency department unless it is absolutely necessary. Read more