Tonight the local papers in County Meath are reporting an internal HSE document on moving services from hospitals in Meath and Louth.
The document details what moves are to be made this year in the context of a reduced budget. The strange thing is the cuts /closures are identical to the government plans written during the boom years when money was no object. The recession is only an excuse or what the government always wanted to do; close A&E, Intensive Care and Acute Medical Services.
These cuts are planned for our hospital in Dundalk. Louth County Hospital has received commendatios for years. It is spotless. It makes no sense to any right minded person. Dundalk Town Hall was packed last November with people who wanted to save our services. Fianna Fáil TDs didnt show up but sent a goon to fight with elderly women and throw all sorts of allegations around. 7,000 people turned up at the square in December but no sign of a Fianna Fáil TD.
The only people who are driving the closures of services are Fianna Fáil and Green Party politicians (in Dundalk they rfused to sign a declaration to resign from their parties if services were closed). HSE officials are implementing the wishes of their political bosses at cabinet. These HSE officials attended an internal Fianna Fáil meeting in December - who all was at that meeting? What Councillors? which of your neighbours?
So in summary;
Our 24 hour A&E to go 12 hours and then become Minor Injuries Clinic.
Our Intensive Care to be lost.
Our Acute Medical Services to go.
The government dont have th guts to admit this wasalways their plan. They are now blaming lack of funds. Here are some solutions;
1. Reverse the cut in funding to the Lourdes as punishment for underperformance.
2. Capthe salaris of Consultants.
3. Buy in generic drugs at a fraction of the price.
4. Stop using taxpayers money to grant aid private hospitals.
There is no financial excuse for closing services. The only reason is that this government wants it to happen. They must go.
