THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE SEND MESSAGE OF OPPOSITION TO PORTIUNCULA DOWNGRADING

Date Published: 28-Mar-2010

Thousands of people are sending a very strong message of opposition to the HSE and the Government over the possible downgrading of services at Portiuncula hospital.

Around 6 thousand people converged at St. Michael's square in Ballinasloe this afternoon for a major public rally, organised by IMPACT trade union.

They're concerned that expanding the role of the new general manager in Galway University Hospital to include both Portiuncula and Roscommon County Hospitals, will ultimately result in a downgrading of services.

However, in a statement to Galway Bay FM news, the HSE say there is absolutely no question of the downgrading of any hospital as a result of expanding this role

Speaking at the protest this afternnon, Ballinasloe town Mayor Johnny Walsh says the protest is sending out a VERY clear message