North-east orthopaedic unit to close this week

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that the orthopaedic unit in the north-east of the country is to close earlier than planned due to a lack of money.

The unit at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan was due to be shut down on December 12 until the new year.

However the HSE said the date has been brought forward to this week as the facility's budget will be exhausted by Friday following a surge in the number of patients treated over the past few weeks.

A number of patients have had their surgeries cancelled as a result, but the HSE says it is working to make alternative arrangements.