Monaghan doctors reject NEHB proposals

Doctors at Monaghan General Hospital have rejected proposals from the North Eastern Health Board which could have seen full medical services and 70% of normal surgical activity restored.

INO nurses at the hospital have described the plan as 'Machiavellian' and say it would result in Monaghan General Hospital losing its capacity to operate as an acute facility.

The plan, outlined at a meeting between the NEHB and consultants on Wednesday, suggested the hospital would provide elective surgery on a five-day basis.

Emergency cases and major elective operations would be dealt with at Cavan General Hospital.

The NEHB expressed surprise and disappointment at doctors' rejection of the proposals.

Monaghan stopped accepting emergency admissions in July because of a shortage of qualified anaesthetists.