The Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee have hit out strongly at the decision of Dr Susan O’Reilly to visit the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise today – saying it is nothing more than a “distasteful PR stunt”.
A leaked report from Dr O’Reilly has revealed plans for a downgrade of services at Portlaoise with the local group behind the campaign to save the hospital, saying this visit cannot be considered as part of the consultation process.
“We understand that Dr. Susan O’Reilly intends to visit Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP) on an informal basis tomorrow, Tuesday 21st of November, they said in a statement last night.
“This visit cannot be regarded as a consultation, as the time for meeting for consultation has long since passed, given that Dr O’Reilly’s report was leaked and is now in the public domain.
“As a committee we would like to express that we are insulted by this action by Dr O’Reilly.”
“We are completely shocked and dismayed that Dr O’Reilly would dare to show her face in Portlaoise Hospital after she drafted a report, which would effectively close our hospital,” said chairman of the group Thomas Timmons.
“We believe that this move by Dr O’Reilly is little more than a distasteful PR stunt intended to repair her damaged reputation …an empty gesture, which has come too little too late,” added secretary John Hanniffy.
“The committee’s position remains unchanged. Recently, the Laois Faculty of the ICGP and Mid-Doc Members expressed their “total lack of confidence in Dr Susan O’Reilly as CEO of the Dublin Midland Leinster Hospital
“Given that Dr O’Reilly’s team allowed their report and strategy to be leaked only adds to our assertion that she is not fit for her position. We call upon Dr O’Reilly … to announce her resignation.”
Dr O’Reilly’s visit comes on a week when public meetings will be held around the county to inform the public of the proposed plans – and what the Hospital Action Committee plan to do to show their opposition. Meetings take place in Mountrath, Mountmellick, Portarlington, Abbeyleix and Killeshin and will be attended by Hospital Action committee members and local GPs.
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