Smaller hospitals 'more efficient and cost-effective'

Smaller hospitals are more efficient and cost-effective, according to a group campaigning against the possible downgrading of Nenagh Hospital in Co Tipperary.

In a report published today, the Nenagh Hospital Action Group says smaller hospitals deal with more patients at a lower cost than larger ones.

It also says Nenagh Hospital has avoided the problems experienced by A&E units at larger facilities across the country because GPs can refer them directly to the wards.

The author of the report, Paul Malone, said this system was working very well and should be improved and expanded rather than downgraded.