éirígí concerned over possible withdrawal of Rheumatology services in Manorhamilton

éirígí activist Gerry Casey has expressed "grave concern" at media reports that the health Service Executive (HSE) are set to remove Rheumatology sevices from Our Lady's Hospital in Manorhamilton.

Casey said: "The HSE's record in downgrading and removing services from Our Lady's Hospital, the removal of endoscopy services being the most recent, has been a matter of concern for the people of north Leitrim for some time now."

He added: "Their refusal to deny these reports only serve to increase concerns raised in recent weeks that they do intend to remove rheumatology services from Our Lady's. Such a move would be a retrograde step and a further blow for the hospital and the people served by it."

He concluded: "Yet again, north Leitrim looks set to suffer at the hands of a so called health service that has shown a callous disregard for the health and well being of the people of this region and of the state in general. They appear more intent on implementing the right wing policies of privatisation and two-tier health services of their political masters rather than creating a first class health service available and accessible to all."