HSE Comparing Apples And Oranges In New Report Which Highlights Portlaoise Hospital

Thursday, 10 October 2019 07:05

The 12% Drop In Number Of Emergency Patients In Portlaoise Is Largest In Ireland

The HSE is comparing apples and oranges when discussing figures from a Department of Expenditure report on Emergancy departments in the Midlands.

Secretary of the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee John Hanniffy also says the figures are inaccurate as the hospital changed from a paper based system to an electronic one during that time.

New figures suggest the number of emergency patients at Portlaoise Hospital fell 12% during a period when senior managers were planning to downgrade the service.

A review by the Department of Public Expenditure also reports a decline in Mullingar from 2014 to 2017 but rising numbers in Tullamore.

The drop in Laois is the most pronounced in the country, despite the population increasing 5% at the last census.

The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group wants to replace the Portlaoise Emergency Department with a 12-hour injury clinic but the plan is now under review following local opposition.

Secretary of the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee John Hanniffy is calling for an independent review: