HEALTH MINISTER JUSTIFIES MERLIN PARK WARD CLOSURE

Date Published: 15-May-2009

Minister for Health, Mary Harney says the planned closure of the 'unit three ward' at Merlin Park Hospital is justified.Speaking in Claregalway today, Minister Harney said Merlin Park Hospital has thirty percent vacancy throughout the year, and often closes wards during the summer months.The unit in Merlin Park, which is planned for closure has almost 40 beds, houses the rheumatology department, and caters for patients who are admitted to the A and E department.