Sources at Peamount Hospital, Dublin, have expressed shock at a recommendation that it stop treating TB patients, writes Padraig O'Morain.
The hospital has been treating people with TB for decades and, according to its medical director, Dr Luke Clancy, has built up an international reputation in the field.
Howver Comhairle na nOspideal, which regulates consultant appointments, has recommended no more acute patients be sent there.
Instead, it says, Peamount should become a "step-down" facility. The Comhairle argues that people with TB should be treated in general acute hospitals in their local areas, mainly as outpatients. Dr Clancy says TB patients sent to local hospitals would have to be isolated to prevent infection. In Peamount they can be with other people and this is far preferable, he says.
The Eastern Regional Health Authority has invited the hospital management to draw up a submission on how it would like to see services developing.
pomorain@irish-times.ie
