Rory O'Hanlon (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)

This matter relates to patient care; it is not about party politics or any other agenda. I did not oppose the transfer of services in circumstances where I accepted that a better and safer service was being provided. This is not the case with regard to the announcement of 8 June.

Monaghan General Hospital has an excellent acute medical service, which provides for approximately 80% of patients' needs. I recognise that major improvements have taken place in the provision of services in our region. I refer, for example, to the medical assessment unit in Cavan and the enhanced ambulance service, to which Deputy Crawford referred, in Monaghan and Castleblaney.

What is being implemented will result in patients travelling 30 to 50 miles and I am not satisfied that sufficient additional facilities have been put in place in Cavan or Drogheda to cope with the increased numbers that will come from County Monaghan. Where an appropriate level of service can be provided at Monaghan General Hospital, then it should be provided. It is important to recognise the level of services that will continue at Monaghan General Hospital. The two wards to which Senator Crawford referred will be used in an extremely efficient manner to, for example, facilitate patient rehabilitation.

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