2,000 protesters form human chain around hospital over HSE concerns

MORE than 2,000 hospital staff, former patients and members of local community groups formed a human chain around a Ballinasloe hospital yesterday.

They were protesting because they said the HSE intends to cut Portiuncula hospital’s €50 million budget by €7m, which could lead to significant job losses and poorer health services.

Speaking at the Hands Around Our Hospital protest, IMPACT trade union official Padraig Mulligan said the HSE’s planned cuts for Portiuncula were disproportionately high and that University College Hospital Galway would be unable to cope with the increased demand that would be generated if the HSE was successful in downgrading Portiuncula. Mr Mulligan called on local politicians of all parties to give “practical support” to the campaign to preserve services at the hospital, by voting against their party whips if necessary.