Sinn Finn TD Brian Stanley says the statement released by the Dublin Hospital Group yesterday is misleading.
They say that Thursday’s Strategic Plan launch is in no way related to the proposed downgrade of Portlaoise Hospital.
However, Deputy Stanley says that either all references in the plan to Portlaoise Hospital have been removed or ‘we are being deliberately misled’.
He said: “The reply from Dr. Susan O’Reilly’s office yesterday that the Plan being launched on Thursday “is not related to the proposed action plan for Portlaoise” is misleading and only adds to the confusion.
“She is correct in saying it’s the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group (DMHG) Plan, 2018-2023, and it’s “for the 7 Hospitals in the group……laying out a blueprint” for them.
“The facts are this plan was leaked to me 2 month ago and sets out clearly it covers the 7 Hospitals in the Group (DMHG) including Portlaoise.
“I also received a copy of a letter sent with it inviting HSE managers to “formally sign off” on this “Final Draft of Strategic Plan for the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group 2018-2023” on the 25th October in Bridgewater House, Conynham Road, Dublin. My information is this happened.
“It’s misleading for Dr. O’Reilly to say it is “not related” to Portlaoise as it is central to the DMHG Plan and there are numerous references to Portlaoise in it.
“On page 40 it sets out clearly what is planned for Portlaoise – a “General Practitioner referred medical assessment unit and a 12/7 local injury Unit”.
“It adds “We will expand emergency department capacity, principally in Tallaght and at the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore”.
“This overall Plan for the DMHG could not be clearer. I gave a copy of it to the Hospital Action Committee and local medics.
“We are well aware there is a plan dealing specifically with Portlaoise on the Minister’s desk for over a year and he informed myself and the 2 other Laois TDs last week that he has made no decision on it.
“On the one hand there cannot be a plan signed off on and launched next Thursday, that sets out in black and white the downgrade of Portlaoise, and on the other hand this statement from Dr. O’Reilly which says it’s not related to Portlaoise! Either all references to Portlaoise Hospital have been removed or we are being deliberately misled.”
The Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee also hit out at the Dublin Hospital Group statement.
Committee Chair, Thomas Timmons stated: “I cannot fathom how they can claim that this does not relate to Portlaoise Hospital when it is there in black and white!”
Committee secretary, John Hanniffy asserted: “any launch of any document, be it strategy or report is wholly inappropriate until such time as minister Harris has provided the promised clarity on the future of Portlaoise Hospital”
Committee PRO, Eimear Holland maintained: “This launch is the thin end of the wedge. Until we are informed that the launch has been cancelled, we fully intend to protest at Trinity Bio-medical Sciences Institute on Thursday.”
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