The Indian Ambassador to Ireland, His Excellency Mr Sandeep Kumar, recently paid a special visit to New Haughton Hospital in New Ross, Co Wexford.  The distinguished guest took the opportunity of a brief, socially distant chat in the garden at the hospital in New Ross to express his thanks to all health service workers in Ireland for their efforts over the last 16 months of pandemic.

 Ambassador Kumar was also keen to express appreciation for the support that has also recently been forthcoming from Ireland towards efforts to address COVID-19 in India.

The Ambassador signed New Haughton Hospital’s visitor book and encouraged ongoing and further connections between New Ross and the Indian embassy in Dublin.

Acknowledging the Ambassador’s visit, the Director of Nursing at New Haughton Hospital Margaret Nowlan O’ Neill said:

“Ambassador Kumar’s kind words during his visit are very much appreciated. I was especially delighted that colleagues at New Haughton who are native to India got to welcome their Ambassador. It was a wonderful way of marking the outstanding contribution of people from India to working in the Irish health services generally but particularly to staffing here at New Haughton Hospital.  

“We were delighted that the Ambassador called to New Haughton. Between residents, staff and their families in both cases, the last year and a half have been very challenging. We remain conscious that the pandemic persists in society and we encourage everyone to maintain adherence to public health guidelines and to get their vaccine.  Following on from our own vaccination drive in New Haughton earlier this year, the progress in that regard out in the community and the gradual opening up of society, we look forward to better days ahead.”