POLITICS: Independent candidate Tim Jackson has called on Fine Gael TD Joe McHugh to step in now and secure the future of three of Donegal’s Community Hospitals.
Following last night’s packed meeting to save St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stranorlar, Tim Jackson has called on Minister Joe McHugh to urgently ensure the official overturning of the Department of Health’s apparent decision to close three Donegal community hospitals in Stranorlar, Lifford and Ramelton.
“This should be a red-line issue for all the communities affected: either Minister McHugh can reverse the closures before the election, or he loses the vote of every single person affected. The only effective way to change the Department’s decision is to make sure it will cost the Government votes.”
“If the decision is not overturned in the three weeks we have before polling day, the new Government will be free to carry out their plans for eventual closure of the three hospitals, without fear of any repercussions for another five years. This is why we must act now.”
Over 400 people packed into the Finn Valley Centre for the meeting, with politicians addressing those present.
Four people were added to the existing committee to save St. Joseph’s, whilst representatives were also present from similar Lifford and Ramelton committees.