Brittas Bay resident and activist Paul Leahy has made a passionate call to all the residents of Wicklow in advance of Saturday: " I urge all townspeople who have not yet signed this petition to come along and add their name . After years of campaigning for this county I believe this facility is so vital and I know we will obtain it for our Children and Children's Children".

General Election candidate Carmel Mckenna said: "It never ceases to amaze me the amount of support that exists for Loughlinstown Hospital and the staff in the county. At our last petition we heard about the hardship people are enduring trying to get to Tallaght and Crumlin Hospitals. "

Avoca based Dr. Colman Etchingham (Chairperson) said: "The importance of locally accessible services was brought home in a striking manner last month in the case of one woman we met. Her Granchild suffered fourteen fits and his heart stopped in an ambulance on the way to Tallaght. Due to this urgency, the Child was brought to the nearest hospital ie Loughlinstown where he was stabilized. This happened in 2004. The question must be asked in view of the current policy in Loughlinstown, would that child be seen today? The woman is in no doubt it was the proximity to Loughlinstown and willingness of staff to receive him which saved his life"

Carmel Mckenna said : "I will make the provision of a Children's A and E Unit in Loughlinstown an election issue. A democratic society must respond to the needs of its people. Quite clearly the people of Wicklow have expressed in a formidable manner that they want a Children's A and E Unit in St. Colmcilles. We will seek a meeting with the Minister for Health demanding a publicly funded and fully staffed Children's A and E Unit at this hospital. Furthermore we will urge for the establishment of community based outreach services for Children in Arklow and Wicklow Town".


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