Hospitals pledge is double-speak

I SMILED knowingly when I read the statements reportedly made by Prof John Higgins in relation to the future of Bantry and Mallow hospitals (Irish Examiner, March 6).

We in Monaghan heard this type of language six years ago from the Taoiseach, ministers, TDs and health board officials, but it was all double-speak. When they say they “will not close a hospital”, they are likely telling the truth, though that might still be contradicted as they will close some hospitals.

However, they will remove all acute inpatient care, both medical and surgical, to a centralised hospital miles away and reduce the A&E to a nurse-led minor injuries unit open a few hours each day.