Closure of Navan ED on hold

The Minister for Health has halted proposals to close Navan's Emergency Department.

His intervention comes following a meeting yesterday at which the HSE outlined plans to replace the Emergency Department with a Medical Assessment Unit and Local Injuries Unit as well as the closure of th Intensive Care Unit.

In a statement this morning the Minister said no decision regarding the HSE’s proposal for the transition of the Emergency Department at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan (OLHN) has been agreed by this government.

“The HSE has clinical concerns about the safety of the Emergency Department at Navan. I asked the HSE to outline those concerns and consult with elected representatives on behalf of the local community. That meeting took place yesterday.

“I have heard clearly the concerns of clinicians in Navan as to the ongoing safety concerns of operating a small Emergency Department. I have also heard the concerns of clinicians at other hospitals that would be impacted at a time when all health services are under such pressure.

“Several important issues, including additional capacity in other hospitals impacted, as well as the continued ability of people in the Navan area to access emergency and urgent care, would need to be fully addressed before any proposed transition by the HSE takes place., “ he said.

The Save Navan Hospital Campaign has described HSE management of the hospital as shocking.

“The chaotic management by the HSE is shocking. The HSE released two statements over the future of our Hospital A&E yesterday. The first stated that our A&E will close on the 30th of June. This statement was issued while TDs were still in a meeting with the Minister, who said that no decision on closure has been made. The HSE have since withdrawn this statement remembering perhaps who is in charge,” said campaign chairman, Deputy Peadar Toibin.