Representatives of Laois GPs and Portlaoise Hospital Consultants met with Fianna Fáil deputies last week to discuss an alternative plan on future acute services put forward by the doctors amid ongoing uncertainty over services at the hospital in Portlaoise.
On Tuesday last, Febrary 28, the group met with Billy Kelleher T.D., Fianna Fáil spokesperson on Health, Sean Fleming T.D. and Laois Fianna Fáil County Councillors.
The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the ongoing uncertainty created by the HSE Senior Management regarding Accident and Emergency services in the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.
The Consultants outlined the new arrangements in relation to the Maternity Department in Portlaoise and how they are working in conjunction with the Coombe Hospital in Dublin. The GPs and the Consultants have prepared a detailed plan: The Future of Acute Services at MRH Portlaoise, which they discussed in detail at the meeting.
“This is an excellent plan which should be supported and it takes a positive approach to delivering services in Portlaoise rather than the negative approach embedded in the minds of some senior mangers in the HSE,” Deputy Fleming said.
The Fianna Fáil party confirmed its support for the plan put forward by the GPs and Consultants, stressing that it is determined to protect and enhance services in the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise.
Deputy Kelleher thanked those present at the meeting for their valuable information and advice and said the party will continue to support services in Portlaoise.
“In view of the ongoing overcrowding in our A&E Department and in our hospitals, I would question the mindset of senior HSE Managers who are spending their time drawing up plans to reduce A&E services when they should be spending their time and energies in seeking how to improve services rather than making matters worse for the general public,” Deputy Sean Fleming said.
