Health board condemns downgrade rumours

The East Coast Area Health Board is moving to allay fears over the future of St Columchille’s Hospital in Loughlinstown in south Co Dublin.

It was said that the Hanly Report would result in the downgrading of services there.

However, health board officials says the hospital is in fact in the middle of a capital investment programme worth €6.35.

The board also says the report makes comprehensive recommendations for Loughlinstown hospital, including the expansion of a number of services.