Dr Kevin Connolly worked as an obstetrician for over 30 years.
Portiuncula hospital should be as safe as any hospital in the country to deliver a baby.
That's according to a retired Midlands doctor who believes the Ballinasloe facility needs to be properly staffed and equiped rather than downgraded.
It follows the transfer of women with high risk pregnancies from the unit after a number of separate HSE investigations.
These were into cases of babies suffering brain injuries during or after birth in recent years, with two external reviews into stillbirths in 2023,and the death of a baby in May 2025.
Dr Kevin Connolly worked as an Paediatrician at Portiuncula Hospital for 33 years and attended a rally over the future of Portiuncula Hospital last night.
He says the decision falls on the Minister for Health now:
Appeal Lodged Against 600 Acre Laois Solar Farm Project
Government Funding To Benefit Midlands Historical Structures
Former GAA Referee Pleads Guilty To Indecent Assault
Laois TD Warns EU Plans Threaten Irish Neutrality
Almost One Million Cigarettes Seized In Offaly
Management Can Easily End Industrial Action - SIPTU
Westmeath Credit Union Manager Wins Lifetime Achievement Award
Midlands Readers Encouraged To Take Part in MS Readathon
Westmeath Town Strong Performer For Fibre Broadband
Ireland's Oldest Living Person With EB Publishes Autobiography
Fund Midlands Councils To Build Housing On Public Land - Simon Community
Midlands Councils Boost Environmental Enforcement Performance
Offaly Food Workers Launch Industrial Action
Public Consultation Taking Place In The Midlands
Man Due In Court Over Armed Pharmacy Robbery In Offaly
Offaly Man Appointed President Of EU Body
Rising Rents Affecting Midlands HAP Tenants
Calls To Fast Track Wastewater Works After Flooding In Offaly
Man Arrested After Attempted Armed Robbery In Offaly
Westmeath Carpark To Reopen As Drainage Project Nears Completion