SHOCK AT EXTENT OF HOSPITAL CUTBACKS IN THE NORTH-EAST
VETERAN CAMPAIGNER DR MARY GREHAN CONDEMNS THE PROPOSALS WHICH ARE LEAKED TO MEDIA February 2008
THE extent of cutbacks proposed in hospitals across the north-east as a cost-saving measure, even takes veteran campaigner Dr Mary Grehan by surprise.
There is strong condemnation of the proposals which are leaked to the media. They are contained in a memo from Chris Lyons, Network Manager Acute Hospital Services, HSE North Eastern Area.
The cutbacks involve reduced elective surgical activity at the Louth County Hospital, including the elimination of on-call, and the establishment of a shorter working day.
Other proposals include a reduction in out-patient clinics at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, a 25% cut in orthopaedic elective surgery in Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, and the centralisation of laundry services across the Dundalk and Drogheda hospitals.
‘It’s unbelievable and it’s going to have far-reaching implications for the Louth County Hospital,’ says Dr Grehan, a Dundalk GP and town councillor.
She condemns the decision to cut back on elective surgery in the Louth, saying it is very successful in treating patients for procedures on varicose veins, hernias and colonoscopy.
‘ There is already a four-month waiting list for some procedures, and it’s only going to get worse if these cuts come in.’
Dr Grehan adds the plans for Navan will also have an impact on Dundalk.
Sinn Féin TD Arthur Morgan, meanwhile, looks for the adjournment of the Dáil to discuss the proposed cuts.
He believes the ‘Breakeven Plan’ for the north-east puts book-keeping before life-saving.
‘From the wording it is clear that this has nothing to do with patient care and all to do with savings.
‘No regard is taken of the massive human and financial costs of the loss of services and consequent deterioration in health outcomes for our population.’
Deputy Morgan calls on Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney to intervene, and to make clear that this plan will not be implemented in part or in whole.
Anita McCann, spokesperson for the Louth Hospital Campaign Group, says black clouds are again forming over the Dublin Road facility.
The group is set up to fight for the retention and restoration of services at the Louth, and to highlight the concerns of people in the area.
‘We have been keeping a keen eye on developments since the general election.
‘While there are some positives, such as the paediatric protocol and the CT scanner in operation, we are greatly concerned by the clouds that appear to be gathering over the hospital once again.’
She points out there is still a threat to medical services, and accident and emergency.
There is no sign of the midwife-led unit promised some years ago, unfilled positions and the modular theatres, which cost €4.9 million, lying idle.
‘And now there is the proposed cut to elective surgery from the leaked ‘Breakeven Plan’ document, which has come to light.
‘ The group totally condemns the complete undermining of services at the Louth for book-balancing reasons.’