Harney vows to consult after 10,000 protest hospital changes

HEALTH Minister Mary Harney has told campaigners attempting to prevent the downgrading of a major rural hospital they will be consulted about any service changes.

At a 90-minute meeting at Leinster House midweek, a deputation of patient, medic and county council representatives met with Ms Harney and a number of officials over planned changes at South Tipperary General Hospital.

The Clonmel facility was the subject of a 10,000-strong protest on Saturday over plans to cut its emergency department, general surgery, intensive care, critical care, maternity and paediatric services and re-base them at Waterford Regional.