FF Clare deputy seeks changes to Hanly report

Elements of the Hanly report into acute hospital services need to be amended, according to Fianna Fáil  TD, Mr Tony Killeen.

Mr Killeen was one of three Fianna Fáil  Oireachtas members from Clare who attended a 15,000-strong march this weekend to protest at proposed changed to accident and emergency services at Ennis General Hospital.

Speaking on RTÉ radio today, Mr Killeen said he simply did not accept that it was not possible to make changes to a consultant's report.

"I particularly would argue that changes need to be made to a plan which both takes account of neither industrial relations nor indeed political issues. And a plan which clearly in its adoption by Government has had the caveat that both demographic and geographical factors have to be taken account of," Mr Killeen said.

He said most people welcomed the majority of the proposals but there were concerns about the future of the accident and emergency unit in Ennis Hospital and that needed to be addressed.

"I don't accept that the Hanly plan depends as its fulcrum on the change in relation to accident and emergency. . . .neither do I accept that there is a cost advantage in proceeding down that particular route."

"In fact all the evidence available to me suggests that there are very considerable advantages in retaining the smaller units. You only have to look at the experience in the Mater last week and several times previously this year."

Mr Killeen said he had made his views clear to the Minister and said he was confident the plan " will be adjusted sufficiently to ensure the best quality of service in terms of health is available to the people of the country."

Mr Killeen was joined at the march by Senator Timmy Dooley and Senator Brendan Daly while deputy Ms Sile deValera was unable to attend but sent a message of support.

Two regions have been chosen for a pilot run of the Hanly proposals - the Mid-Western and East Coast Area Health Board regions.

Accident and emergency units at hospitals such as Ennis, Nenagh and Loughlinstown in Co Dublin are expected to be replaced by minor injury units over the next three to five years as the pilot recommendations are implemented.