An emergency public meeting in reponse to proposed downgrading of services at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Portlaoise is taking place this evening in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.
The meeting has been called in response to the news of proposals to downgrade services at the hospital, particularly Accident and Emergency.
A large crowd is expected to attend the meeting, due to the gravity of the situation.
The Hospital Action Committee and concerned members of the public and elected representatives have called the meeting which will take place at 8pm, tomorrow night, October 25.
It was orginally to be held in St Mary’s Hall.
Monday’s meeting of Laois County Council heard arguments from councillors that if the proposals are accepted, Fianna Fail should withdraw its support for the government.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley raised the issue at the meeting, following details of the report which were revealed by Deputy Brian Stanley over the weekend.
She proposed they seek a meeting with Minister for Health Simon Harris and local Minister for Justice Charlie Flanagan as soon as possible.
Cllr Jerry Lodge said Fianna Fail should withdraw its support for the government, if it proceeds with the recommendations in the report.
Pressure
He said ministerial pressure had got Stepaside Garda Station reopened and they must take similar steps to keep the hospital services in place.
Elsewhere, Sinn Fein are also holding a meeting on Thursday, November 9, in the Portlaoise Parish Centre, which will be attended by Louise O’Reilly, the Sinn Fein spokesperson on Health and Joe Hoolan of the Irish Nurse and Midwives Organisation.
We are in the Midlands Park Hotel where we will Live Blog the event from start to finish.
SEE ALSO – Cllrs say Portlaoise hospital downgrade should bring down the government
