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Report Recommending Downsizing Of Portlaoise Hospital Is "In The Shredder"

Monday, 6 January 2020 13:25

The Hospital Action Commitee has been meeting with local politicians.

The Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee says the report which recommended the downsizing of A&E services at the facility is "in the shredder".

Chairman of the committee, Tommy Timmons received assurances of this from Laois Fine Gael TD and Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan during a meeting in December.

Health Minister Simon Harris was due to visit the hospital this week - but that has been put on hold due to the flu epidemic across the country.

Mr. Timmons says committee members have to take the Justice Minister at his word:

Recruitment and retention of staff remains a major issue facing Portlaoise Hospital.

Mr. Timmons says the decision not to downgrade A&E operations will make jobs more desirable to potential recruits.

In a statement, Justice Minister and Laois TD Charlie Flanagan is highlighting an increase of 44% in the budget of the facility to €65 million since 2012.

The Committee chair says there needs to be more diversity in how this money is spent:

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