The Minister of State did and it is on the record.
The North Eastern Health Board, like every other health board, employs such staff on a six monthly basis starting in January and July. To this end, the North Eastern Health Board accepted applications for, in its words, the post of surgical SHOs at Monaghan General Hospital from 1 January 2005 to 30 June 2005. However, it advised the applicants that it acknowledged receipt of their applications for the above post but that it regretted that, due to unforeseen circumstances, it would not pursue this competition at this time. The health board further advised me by telephone today that this marked the beginning of the implementation of the report of the Cavan-Monaghan acute hospitals steering committee.
This action by the health board management raises major questions over not only the future of surgery in Monaghan General Hospital, but over the services available to the people of Cavan-Monaghan taking into account the ongoing difficulties and overflow situation in Cavan General Hospital. There is a serious question over whether the contract of the surgical senior house officers will be renewed in January and over the long-term situation of the two surgical registrars whose contracts expire in six months' time.
This move is unexpected and totally out of line with the promises made by the former Minister, Deputy Martin, in a letter last May and in a statement on 29 September which were welcomed with open arms by his Fianna Fáil colleagues in north Monaghan. My Independent colleague, with whom I am sharing time, also felt it was the answer. Those of us who raised questions based on previous commitments were accused of being negative and were partially blamed for the ongoing situation. I remind the House that this is the way maternity and, especially, gynaecological services were removed from Monaghan General Hospital. Without surgeons and junior doctors on site in Monaghan General Hospital, five day surgery will not happen. This will limit the work for the permanent anaesthetist not to mention the five junior doctors promised.
It is not so long ago that the theatres in Monaghan General Hospital, together with its excellent surgeons and staff, were used by the Northern Ireland health service under contract. Now the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children is more committed to the national treatment purchases fund which draws on services outside this country. It must be remembered that if worthwhile active surgery is removed from Monaghan General Hospital and anaesthetic cover is not available, then the high care treatment room will be under threat.
I beg the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children to meet the people of Monaghan as a matter of urgency. She should stop the lunacy in the name of health care in Monaghan General Hospital. When the country had no money, Monaghan County Council could assure access to all care and treatment. It may have been an older style but the hospital never turned anyone away. Surely no service should be withdrawn without a proper alternative. It seems the people of Monaghan deserve neither.
I refer to Mr. Ben McCullagh who lived 500 yards from the hospital. An ambulance was sent for him but as there was no doctor on site, he had to travel 30 miles to Cavan and died en route. How does his family feel?
