Downgrade breaks spatial strategy rules

THE Departments of Health and Environment have clashing policies on Monaghan General Hospital, according to local independent TD Paudge Connolly.

Two weeks ago, Monaghan was designated a hub town under the National Spatial Strategy. “In order to qualify as a hub town you must have a hospital, yet the Department of Health is instrumental in downgrading the services at Monaghan,” Mr Connolly said yesterday.

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, the TD, who was elected this year as a Hospital Action candidate, said there were plans to withdraw 24-hour coverage and weekend cover at the hospital. Mr Connolly also cited the example of a child who suffered burns and had to be sent to Dublin for skin grafts, because she could not be treated quickly enough in the North Eastern Health Board area.