Group launches bid to restore services at Monaghan hospital

The Minister for Health Mary Harney is being given a proposal for the restoration of services at Monaghan General Hospital.

Campaigners believe the plan will save lives and avoid the necessity to travel to either Cavan or Drogheda for treatment.

The Monaghan Hospital Community Alliance group is threatening to field a candidate in the forthcoming General election unless services are restored.

Spokesman Peadar McMahon outlines their course of action today: "We intend to leave a Valentine's gift for the Minister for Health in the form of a heart and we're asking her, on behalf of the people of Monaghan, to have a heart and get the services back into Monaghan - the services that are required for the safety and survival of the people of this county."