We won’t stop fighting plan, say hospital campaigners

THE group opposed to the Hanly report and plans to downgrade 26 acute hospitals nationwide vowed yesterday to continue their fight, even though the plan has been put on hold.

The Department of Health has confirmed the proposal to consolidate accident and emergency services nationwide will not be implemented until there is agreement on consultants’ contracts.

But the Hospital Service Action Group (HSAG) said yesterday it will meet in Portlaoise this weekend to formulate its campaign to block the downgrading of the 26 acute hospitals.