Brian Stanley (Laois, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

It is very disappointing that the Minister, Deputy Harris, is not here to address this issue. This is not the first time he has not been present when important debates on Portlaoise hospital are taking place. Only a week ago, he failed to turn up for another debate on it.

This hospital is on my doorstep. I have campaigned with others for over 20 years because of the constant threat to downgrade the hospital. Dr. Susan O'Reilly, who headed up the preparation of the report that was hidden for a number of years, has said she is now willing to engage in public consultation. She is talking from both sides of her mouth as the decision has been made and she is ploughing on with this. According to her, the only concern is the low volume of patients going through critical care in Portlaoise. Answers have been put forward by local doctors in response.

The first plan was leaked to me almost four weeks ago now and one was leaked to the The Sunday Business Postand they spell out exactly what is supposed to happen. The minor injury and medical assessment units will operate in the day time. The paediatrics, maternity and the intensive care units will be gone. According to The Sunday Business Postleak - these leaks are deliberate - 12 hospitals, including Portlaoise, will stop taking trauma patients and major trauma centres will be created in Cork and Dublin. What absolute insanity. Does neither the Government nor the Health Service Executive understand the need for a regional network of emergency units staffed and equipped to a modern standard?

Dr. O'Reilly has not taken on board the need for the "golden hour" to be taken into consideration. This is the hour after a serious trauma, accident or injury. She has not explained how these patients will be transported to Dublin, Cork, Tullamore or anywhere else. The question is whether a patient is safer in the back of an ambulance or, in the first hour, getting to an accident and emergency department such as the facility in Portlaoise, which is well-established, well equipped and properly staffed. There is also a shortage of ambulances, with only one ambulance in County Laois on Monday and Tuesday nights. Will the Minister of State address that?

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