Protestors to target Galway hospital

A major protest is due to take place at Portiuncula Hospital in Co Galway today to highlight concerns over the proposed downgrading of services there.

The HSE is considering curtailing accident and emergency, as well as maternity services in an effort to deal with a €90m budget deficit in the region.

The protest comes ahead of tomorrow's talks between HSE management and unions in a bid to hammer out an alternative solution.

The IMPACT union is appealing to Health Minister Mary Harney, who was born in the hospital, to prevent the downgrading.