Roscommon based Minister Denis Naughten is one of two Ministers who have objected to the non inclusion of Galway in plans for a major Trauma Centre.
The two Ministers, both from the west, have objected that only two centres, Dublin and Cork, will have major trauma centres, while Galway will have a trauma unit which does not have the same status – in particular, no neurological services would be available there.
Writing on irishtimes.com Harry McGee states “Political careers have been born – and have been abruptly terminated – over the perennial threats of downgrading Roscommon hospital in particular. An Independent, Tom Foxe, was elected specifically on this single issue. It was also broken promises over the hospital that led to Denis Naughten leaving Fine Gael.”
“The sensitivities run deep. Over the years there have been similar protests over plans to redesignate or downgrade services in other hospitals in the region: University College Hospital Galway; Portiuncula in Ballinasloe; Castlebar; Sligo; and Letterkenny.”
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