The Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee say that they welcome the announcement by Minister Charlie Flanagan that a fresh consultation process is underway regarding Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise.
Although, chairperson Tommy Timmons said that the group were not made aware of the development until Minister Flanagan announced it, he said it was very good news
He said: “This is the first we have heard of this. We are calling upon Minister Charlie Flanagan and local representatives to engage with us in the lead up to this process.
“We have fought stingently on behalf of the people and advocated strongly for MRHP. We constantly field queries by the people on the streets, by email and on social media.
“The people turn to us and we do our best to keep them informed. Given our aligned mission, it would be helpful to have more open lines of communication between the Minister and the committee”.
Secretary John Hanniffy stated: “I’ve since spoken to the Medics (consultants and GPs) with whom we are in constant contact and they were not aware either – nor have they been contacted by anyone carrying out a review.
“Nevertheless, if true, we are happy that the process has finally begun and trust that it will be a truly independent and inclusive review and that proper and honest consultation will take place with ALL the stakeholders of the Hospital.”
PRO, Eimear Holland insisted: “Whilst we are relieved for the staff and patients of MRHP that things are moving forward, we have many questions.
“Given the process flaws of the abandoned O’Reilly report, we are eager to know what the terms of reference are. Stakeholders need to trust that this is a fresh and meaningful consultation.
“The committee is also eager to identify who these unelected officials and clinical leads are and indeed who the ‘independent, external facilitator’ will be.
Finally, though Minister Flanagan did not list the public as a consultation stakeholder, we would seek clarity about how the public’s voice will be heard.”
John Hanniffy noted: “this annoucement is well timed, as we are coming to the end of an indepth consultation process ourselves. We have been collaborating deeply with medical, demographic and reporting professionals for many months in order to write a consultation report for MRHP from the local stakeholders perspective.
“This report sheds significant light upon the growing need for MRHP to maintain its services and indeed enhance and expand them. We are at the final consultation phase now where we plan to bring it to the people of Laois and surrounding areas, facilitating them to have some input into their future vision for MRHP.
“We look forward to presenting this report to Minister Harris and indeed the independent, external facilitator for their consideration.”
The committee was pleased to be listed as a key consultation stakeholder and is eager to engage meaningfully in the Department of Health’s consultation process.
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