
The 12% Drop In Number Of Emergency Patients In Portlaoise Is Largest In Ireland
The HSE is comparing apples and oranges when discussing figures from a Department of Expenditure report on Emergancy departments in the Midlands.
Secretary of the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee John Hanniffy also says the figures are inaccurate as the hospital changed from a paper based system to an electronic one during that time.
New figures suggest the number of emergency patients at Portlaoise Hospital fell 12% during a period when senior managers were planning to downgrade the service.
A review by the Department of Public Expenditure also reports a decline in Mullingar from 2014 to 2017 but rising numbers in Tullamore.
The drop in Laois is the most pronounced in the country, despite the population increasing 5% at the last census.
The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group wants to replace the Portlaoise Emergency Department with a 12-hour injury clinic but the plan is now under review following local opposition.
Secretary of the Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee John Hanniffy is calling for an independent review: