TDs' war of words over hospital

A war of words has broken out among local TDs with Minister Thomas Byrne accusing opposition TDs of using the hospital for electoral gain, while he has been accused of “actively campaigning for the closure of the ED.”

Minister Byrne said it was unfortunate that “some local politicians are using Navan hospital for political and electoral gain.”

His comment comes three days after 7,000 people marched in Navan in opposition to proposals by the HSE to close the Emergency Department in Navan.

“I would ask the people of Meath who use Navan hospital to ask themselves, if Peadar Toibin or Johnny Guirke were at the end of your hospital bed when you’re critically ill offering you medical advice, versus eminent health professionals such as Dr Gerry McEntee or Dr Colm Henry – who would you trust?”

Minister Byrne pointed out that the Government has been investing heavily in services at Navan Hospital and is committed to increasing the quality and range of the medical provision that is available locally in Navan.

“Over recent years the budget at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan has increased from €41.6 million in the year 2016 to €57 million in 2022. This represents an increase of 37 per cent. The number of staff has too increased, from 495 staff in 2016 to 613 staff in 2022. I have never heard Peadar Toibin recognise these essential investments.”

He also said there was a new laboratory processing over 2.5 million tests per year , a complete replacement of all Xray and radiology equipment, a new 24 bed Rehabilitation Unit and a new Mental Health Day Hospital

Deputy Toibin responded that if Minister Byrne had his way, “there would be no bed in Our Lady's Hospital.”

“He has now started actively campaigning for the closure of the A&E,” he said.

Deputy Guirke described Minister Byrne's comments about political gain as “rubbish.”

“We are just standing up for the people we represent.

“23 consultants in Drogheda have said the closure would be dangerous”.