Cuts force hospital to close ward

A budget reduction of €3 million for 2009 has led a Galway hospital’s managers to close one of its wards and an operating theatre…

A budget reduction of €3 million for 2009 has led a Galway hospital’s managers to close one of its wards and an operating theatre over the summer months.

Portiuncula Hospital in Ballinasloe was told last month by the Health Service Executive national hospitals office that its budget for 2009 was €49 million, compared to its €52 million allocation last year.