Sinn Féin TD for Meath West Johnny Guirke and party spokesperson on Health David Cullinane TD have today welcomed the statement from Minister Stephen Donnelly that all moves on the reconfiguration of Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan have been paused immediately.

They have called for clarity and engagement on the future of health services in Meath to ensure local needs are addressed by local services. 

Teachta Guirke said:

“Today’s announcement from the Health Minister only goes as far as temporarily delaying any proposed closures or downgrading of services at Navan Hospital.

“We need the Minister to make firm commitments on the hospital’s future, and that the level of services available in Meath will not be reduced. His statement only kicks the can down the road.

“The 210,000 people of Meath do not need this problem to keep reoccurring every 12 months. We need a permanent solution and a fully functioning health service in the county.

“I will be raising this point with the Minister in the Dáil tonight, and I hope he can give us the clarity we need to finally put this to bed after eleven long years of campaigning.”

Teachta Cullinane said:

“Minister Donnelly and the HSE need to give clarity on the future of health service delivery in Meath.

“They must engage with local stakeholders – healthcare workers, campaigners and public representatives – to agree and deliver healthcare reform that benefits patients and staff.

“The health service is not working for patients, in Meath and across the state, despite the Trojan work of our doctors, nurses, and allied health and social care professionals.

“Any change in services at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan must be compensated for in terms of public primary and community care to ensure the needs of the Meath population are met as locally as possible as we develop community healthcare delivery.”