MEMBERS OF the Roscommon Hospital Action Group are to consult a senior counsel today to see whether they have grounds for legal action over the closure of the hospital’s emergency department a week ago.
John McDermott, the group’s chairman, said they would also seek advice on whether the reputation of a consultant at the hospital had been maligned as a result of claims by Minister for Health James Reilly that cardiac patients attending Roscommon hospital had four times the mortality rate of those admitted to Galway University Hospital. The hospital group says the figures presented are misleading, an accusation rejected by Dr Reilly.
The anger of locals over the closure of the emergency department despite a pre-election pledge from Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Dr Reilly to retain the service was on display again yesterday at the Connacht GAA football final at Dr Hyde Park in Roscommon town. Heavy rain did not deter 1,500 people from taking part in a protest outside the pitch, Mr McDermott said, and up to 3,000 people held posters bearing black crosses during the National Anthem prior to the game.
Mr Kenny did not attend the match, saying he was visiting his children in the Gaeltacht. His absence was reflected in protesters banners. One with a picture of Mr Kenny read: “Wanted, have you seen this man.”
Mr McDermott said he was disappointed Mr Kenny did not turn up “because we had made it very clear we were not going to disrupt anybody enjoying the game but people would have barracked him because of the commitment he gave”.