Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to discuss this incredibly important issue. I can say on behalf of the staff of Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, that there is serious concern about the future of critical and emergency care services at the hospital and that concern is matched by the local community and the population of County Meath. The rumour mill is rife with stories of impending cuts to hours, staff and services in the emergency department and to critical care services. Is this the case? That is the question we want answered. There is deep concern and it is heightened by the silence of the HSE. As public representatives, we have raised questions, as have others. We have been deliberately ignored or those questions have been avoided. Will the Minister of State provide assurances that critical and emergency services at Navan hospital will not be cut?

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