Candidates' contrasting claims on future of services at Portiuncula
In the lead-up to the Saturday's general election, two candidates in Roscommon-Galway have made contrasting statements about the future of services at Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe.
Denis Naughten claimed there is a plan by the Saolta Hospital Group to close maternity and A&E services in Portiuncula in the years ahead and relocate them to a proposed new hospital on the grounds of Merlin Park in Galway.
The Roscommon/Galway Independent said: "Such a plan ignores the fact that Portiuncula Hospital not only services East Galway and much of County Roscommon but also parts of Leitrim, Longford, Westmeath, Offaly and Tipperary.
"Furthermore, it undermines Project Ireland 2040 which plans to see Athlone developed as a city with Portiuncula as its hospital. How can we have a city that does not even have access to an emergency or maternity department?"
However, Fine Gael candiate Cllr Aisling Dolan said her party was fully committed to the future of the hospital - pointing to the planned addition of a new 50-bed unit there, as well as commitments she has received from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Health Minister Simon Harris.
Cllr Dolan said the tender contract for Stage 1 enabling works on the new 50-bed ward is due to be awarded shortly to one of three shortlisted bidders, with work due to begin the week of April 20, 2020.
She quoted Minister Harris who said Portiuncula had received additional investment "because of its importance to the people of Roscommon and Ballinasloe" and that Fine Gael wanted to "continue to enhance services at the hospital".
Councillor Dolan said: "Portiuncula Hospital has a huge catchment area with many people working here and seeking treatment here. I have fought for the hospital since I was first elected to local government and will continue to ensure Portiuncula is further upgraded if elected to national government.
"It's important that people know the facts when casting a vote on February 8, and the fact is that investment is being made in Portiuncula Hospital."
When contacted by the Westmeath Independent, the Saolta Hospital Group didn't give a clear response on the future of services at the hospital but said work was underway to "develop a fully integrated maternity service between Portiuncula University Hospital and University Hospital Galway" as this was one of the recommendations of the Walker Review relating to Maternity Services in Portiuncula.