Ahern challenges Martin’s hospital reform plan

A SECOND minister has challenged Mícheál Martin’s hospital reform proposals by intervening in plans to downgrade Louth County Hospital.

Communications Minister Dermot Ahern yesterday called for an independent facilitator to resolve the Louth dispute.

Last week, Health Minister Mr Martin rejected calls at the Irish Nurses Organisation AGM to intervene in the dispute. He said it was not up to him to “micro-manage” individual hospitals and the matter was between the health board and staff at the Dundalk hospital.