Flanagan in pledge to fight any downgrading of hospital

Laois-Offaly TD Charles Flanagan has vowed to fight any downgrading of services at the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise.

It has been speculated that Accident and Emergency hours are to be cut and surgical procedures withdrawn.

The Fine Gael politician said that he has raised the matter with the Health Service Executive on numerous occasions.

"Any attempt to downgrade the hospital will be stoutly resisted both locally, and indeed, as a national politician, I intend fighting this all the way," he said.

Mr Flanagan has been discussing the hospital with the Health Minister Dr James Reilly, who has sought a report into junior doctor shortages.