Fears that Navan A&E faces new cuts threat

Fears of a reduction in accident and emergency services at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan - including the possible closure of the unit at night - have been expressed in light of a cost containment review currently being carried out by the HSE. Speculation is rife that the HSE may move to close the facility at night, but the Save Navan Hospital campaign has warned that under no circumstances will it accept a reduction in services. Campaign chairperson Deputy Peadar Tóibín has called on Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, to meet with him to guarantee the continued existence of the service. Deputy Tóibín said a number of senior medical professionals in Meath had been in contact with him over strong rumours that the A&E dept in Navan Hospital was under threat and that any closure was to be done under the pretence that there was insufficient governance oversight in the emergency department. "However, some problems have existed for over 10 years and, during this time, it was never deemed necessary to reduce service. They stated that not only would the closure of A&E be damaging to emergency services, but it would also have a negative effect on other aspects of the hospital, such as medical services, ambulance service and GP services amongst others," said the Sinn Fein TD. Deputy Tóibín said he contacted a senior member of the HSE on Saturday night and was told the HSE had no plan to close down A&E but that they could not allow problems to continue. "They told me that existing resources would be used to try and prevent any part-closure but that no new resources would be considered. They also told me that any change would be planned and timed in order to allow for safety. A spokesperson for the HSE said the Louth-Meath Hospital Group is currently reviewing all services in terms of its cost containment plans and a number of proposals are being discussed. "No final decisions have been taken at this time to implement any of these proposals. An in-depth analysis of each service will be conducted. The focus of this analysis is based on risk assessment, patient activity levels, staff resources, the service impact and the cost of the service. To read the full story see this week's Meath Chronicle.