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20 March, 2008

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'Latest attack on Monaghan Hospital must be resisted'

Photo: Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Cavan-Monaghan TD Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin has learned that the Ventilation Unit at Monaghan General Hospital is to close on 7 April. Stating that this would be “another grievous blow to healthcare provision in this region”, Deputy Ó Caoláin called on people to mobilise to resist the closure. He stated:
“ HSE area management is planning to close Monaghan General Hospital’s Ventilation Unit from 7 April. This unit is a vital component of the Hospital’s High Care Unit and its loss would, without question, be another grievous blow to healthcare provision in this region. People in Monaghan who have depended on the Ventilation Unit for care, including emergency care, will be forced to travel to Cavan General Hospital.
“This planned closure is yet another step in the ongoing drive, led by the HSE under Minister Harney and CEO Drumm, to strip Monaghan General Hospital of all but a handful of services, reducing it to a day clinic. This is being done regardless of the severe impact on patient care.
“I urge everyone concerned at this development and other signalled cuts in services, especially people who have depended on the Ventilation Unit at Monaghan General Hospital, immediately to press their Dáil and local elected representatives to demand that this cut does not go ahead. I encourage people to write, e.mail and phone directly to hospital management, the HSE and Health Minister Harney to have this decision reversed.
“This latest planned attack on Monaghan General Hospital must be resisted. People should mobilise to attend the March and Rally for a Decent Health Service, beginning at 3pm on Parnell Square, Dublin on Saturday 29 March, and called by the Dublin Council of Trade Unions. We must demand a halt to the ongoing attacks on local hospitals throughout the state.”

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