Martin denies doing U-turn on Hanly report

HEALTH Minister Micheál Martin yesterday insisted all acute hospitals could maintain their 24-hour emergency service if they produce concrete plans.

The minister rejected claims he had done a U-turn on the Hanly report by giving a commitment to maintain 24-hour emergency service at Ennis General Hospital. The controversial report recommended the downgrading of acute services in more than 25 hospitals nationwide, while centralising services in 12 regional hospitals.

It recommended the full range of emergency services only be provided in major hospitals in each region with nurse-led minor injury units in the local hospitals.