A REPORT leaked from the HSE has spelt out plans to transfer all acute 24/7 medical services from Monaghan General Hospital to Cavan and Drogheda by the end of this year.

The report, circulated at a Sinn Féin press conference in Monaghan town on Monday past, outlines the objectives of the HSE in the run up to the establishment of a new regional hospital in 2012.

According to the report, Monaghan General Hospital is to become an “ambulatory centre” and any in-patient activity at the hospital will be “non-acute and nurse-led, eg rehab, respite”.

Dr Ilona Duffy, Chairperson of Your Vote, Your Hospital, the newly formed political wing of the Monaghan Community Alliance, told the Monaghan Post that the report confirmed the concerns already expressed by the Alliance. “This report is about money. There is no mention of patient care. It’s about savings, efficiencies and staff redeployment.” she said.

“Come the end of this year, when you have a heart attack, when you have a stroke, when you have an asthmatic attack, you will no longer be taken to Monaghan Hospital. You will be taken to Cavan. But it’s not safe for Cavan hospital to accept the increase in admissions as they are struggling already. This report confirms what we have been trying to drive home to people.”

A HSE spokesperson claimed that the document “may concern draft proposals” and has condemned the leak, accusing candidates of “politicising” the issue in the run up to the General Election.

The leaking of the report comes in the wake of a rally at the Hillgrove Hotel last Thursday, May 10 where almost 1,000 people turned out to witness election candidates signing a contract which pledged their support for the retention of services at Monaghan Hospital. Fianna Fáil candidates were not invited along to sign the contract.