Thousands are expected to take to the streets of Ballinasloe on Sunday week to protest over any proposals to reduce services at the Portiuncula Hospital.

A lunchtime meeting in the hospital on Tuesday expressed fears for most of the 700 jobs if services were downgraded at Portiuncula, following conflicting statements from Minister for Health Mary Harney, when she met with two different groups during her recent visit.

This week’s meeting in Portiuncula was attended by nursing, medical, clerical and other staffs, representing the three unions at the hospital, IMPACT, SIPTU and the INO.

Padraig Mulligan, General Secretary of IMPACT West, who chaired the meeting, told the packed hall that “the jobs here are under threat” if services are reduced at Portiuncula.

Following a meeting with Minister Harney, a further meeting was arranged with the new Regional Director of Operations in HSE West, but that meeting never happened.

Under the Minister’s proposals the affairs of UHG, Portiuncula and Roscommon Hospitals would be managed from Galway and Mr Mulligan said there were genuine fears that the Ballinasloe hospital would suffer because of budget restraints. He called on all politicians to use the influence to prevent any reduction in services or any loss of jobs at Portiuncula.

“It’s the HSE’s intention to turn this hospital into a facility” said Mr. Mulligan, adding “all the unions are standing shoulder to shoulder here on this matter and now we are asking the community to back us.”

He said they had formed a Hospital Action Committee, were looking for more support and would hold a protest march through the streets of Ballinasloe on Sunday week, March 28, starting in the Fairgreen at 12.30pm.

Mr. Mulligan pointed out that huge amounts of money had been collected locally for Portiuncula and said “we are now giving the community a chance to come out and support us by taking part in our protest march” adding, “history will judge us on the way we stand now. I am asking all of you to stand up and be counted.”

Mayor of Ballinasloe, Cllr Johnny Walsh said the Town Council was fully supportive of the Hospital Action Committee.

“It’s our jewel in the crown and we are fully behind you” he said.
 

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.