FF deputy threatens to quit over hospital downgrade

A FIANNA FÁIL TD last night threatened to leave the party if Health Service Executive (HSE) plans to downgrade hospital services in his constituency get Government approval.

Michael Finneran made the dramatic announcement in protest at proposals to withdraw inpatient surgery facilities at Roscommon County Hospital.

Embarking on a collision course with his own Government, Mr Finneran insisted Taoiseach Bertie Ahern must remain firm to pledges not to cut medical services in the county.

“This Government has to stand by what it has said on three occasions in the past two years that there will be no downgrading of the services of Roscommon County Hospital.

“I will hold the Government to that and if they do not stand with me on that, I will not stand with them,” he said.

The rebel TD, who will meet Mr Ahern and Tánaiste and Health Minister Mary Harney next week, gave the Government an ultimatum to resolve the situation during September in order to keep his backing.

“The Government that would allow these proposals to be implemented will not have my support,” he said.

“I will not support a Government that would take away the hospital in Roscommon.

“I have given them the opportunity of standing over their own policy. They have plenty of time to do that over the next month.”

Mr Finneran accused the HSE of going ahead with a plan to downgrade the hospital without approval of the Ms Harney.

The Hanly report on the re-organisation of health care identified Roscommon County Hospital as one of the units suitable for downgrading. The HSE is proposing to withdraw inpatient surgery facilities and formalise a working link with Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe, Co Galway.

New consultants will be appointed to work in both hospitals but there is anger over the downgrading proposal in Roscommon.

The HSE said the changes were in best interests of patient care in the area.

Fianna Fáil would not comment on the matter.