Group protests cutbacks in Bantry hospital

Over 1,000 people gathered in Castletownbere this afternoon to protest against cutbacks at Bantry General Hospital.

The march had been organised by the Friends of Bantry General Hospital and local community groups who are concerned about the future of A&E services at the hospital.

The HSE is planning to close the A&E department after 5pm in the evenings which will result in all emergencies being diverted to CUH.

The friends of Bantry General Hospital said 24 people involved in road accidents would die every year if these proposals go ahead and people who have had heart attacks or strokes would also be at risk.