Sinn Féin TD for Meath East Darren O’Rourke has labelled the HSE plans to initially bypass and then close the A&E at Navan hospital as ‘reckless and dangerous’.
In hard hitting comments to Meath Live he said, ” The plan to bypass Navan A&E and then to close it is dangerous and reckless in the extreme. The letter from consultants at the Lourdes Hospital shows that they have very deep concerns. They state clearly that the planned changes at Navan will cost lives.
“The chaotic scenes at the Lourdes at the weekend confirm their, and my, worst concerns. The Lourdes is not fit to cope with the work it already has. Any plan that would heap additional work on that hospital is simply outrageous. Unfortunately, such is the ignorance of arrogance of the HSE and its managers, and the dithering incompetence of this Fianna Fáil/Fine Gael-led Government, that it comes as no surprise.
“The time for ignorance, arrogance and dithering is over. Lives are at risk. The Minister for Health must intervene. He must set out a plan for investment in acute and emergency services at Navan Hospital.
“In the meantime, the campaign continues. I encourage everyone to attend the public meeting of the Save Navan Hospital Campaign at 8pm this Wednesday in the Newgrange Hotel, Navan.”
O’Rourkes outrage comes in the aftermath of all Meath county councillors agreeing to write to health minister Stephen Donnelly to protest at the planned move.
