Concern on hospital bed closures

The Minister for Health denied that the health strategy proposals were a vote of no confidence in the Eastern Regional Health Authority.

"It would be very wrong to assert that this was so," said Mr Martin, who was replying to the Labour spokeswoman on health, Ms Liz McManus.

She referred to the serious concern expressed by staff, parents and patients at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, in Crumlin, at the implication of the recent decision to close a 25-bed surgical unit.

If the unit remained closed until the end of this year, it would mean 2,000 less procedures taking place, she said.

Mr Martin said the levels of service at the hospital were, in the first instance, a matter for the authority and the hospital, having regard to the level of resources available.