Shane Cassells (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The issue of the changing of Navan hospital's accident and emergency department into a medical assessment unit has been the subject of debate on national television and radio over the past 24 hours and in the homes of people in Navan and Meath. At this time yesterday, a meeting that took place down the road in the Department of Health between the Oireachtas Members from Meath and 18 of the lead clinicians in the country to discuss the clinical concerns of the HSE about the accident and emergency department at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, as those clinicians saw them. It was a frank and robust meeting between everybody in the room. Discussion was led by Meath man and director of operations, Gerry McEntee, who set out his concerns about dealing clinically with things in Navan. However, at the end of the meeting, the HSE handed out a document, which I am holding right now, saying that the final stages of the implementation of this process of changing to a medical assessment unit is to begin on 30 June, in two weeks' time. The last time I checked, the HSE did not run this country. The Cabinet, the Government, is responsible for the running of the country. The HSE was reminded of that fact very forcefully by the Minister for Health last night and again this morning. He reminded it who runs the health service. Ultimately, responsibility rests with the Minister for Health. These people who think they are a law unto themselves and can bypass Cabinet and elected Members got a reminder today. I will read exactly what the Minister for Health said in his statement. He said:

I have heard clearly the concerns of clinicians in Navan as to the ongoing safety concerns [...] I have also heard the concerns of clinicians at other hospitals that would be impacted at a time when all health services are under such pressure.

He also stated "No decision regarding the HSE’s proposal for the transition of the Emergency Department at ... Navan ... has been agreed by this government." I am glad the Minister has clarified that. There are serious issues that need to be discussed. The HSE should remember that, if it wants to have an honest and frank discussion with the political leaders of the country, it must start by showing respect for those leaders and not with what was attempted yesterday.