Controversial proposals to downgrade the A&E services at Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise are understood to have been discussed with staff at a meeting this evening.
According to RTÉ News, clinicians and staff representatives at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise were meeting tonight with senior Health Service Executive management to discuss proposals to alter services at the hospital.
The HSE has confirmed to RTÉ that Dr Susan O’Reilly, CEO Dublin Midlands Hospital Group, was to consult with hospital/group management, members of the medical board and departmental representatives in Portlaoise after proposals for the future of the hospital were sent recently to Minister for Health Simon Harris.
Minister Simon Harris recently stated on a visit to the hospital that there was no “fait accompli” on the future of services at the hospital.
There has been much speculation about a possible downgrade after concerns expressed by HIQA about safety standards and the absence of a strategic plan for the hospital.
It was reported that GPs and consultants at Portlaoise were being consulted about a proposal that would see a medical assessment unit put in place before the fourth quarter of 2017.
If this unit does get ministerial approval, it would provide cover for people with less serious and minor injuries.
Opposition
This downgrade has been opposed locally. Reasons put forward to retain existing services include the two prisons in the town, close proximity to two motorways and a growing population in Portlaoise.
It is understood that a proposal by the HSE to meet with local doctors this week did not go ahead as GPs are unhappy with the current review.
At the recent meeting of the Dublin Mid Leinster Regional Health Forum, Dr O’Reilly confirmed a report has been completed on the future of the hospital in Portlaoise which was with the Department of Health. She added that they have not yet received a formal response on it.
