Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has asked the Minister for Health to commission an independent assessment of the decision to permanently transfer consultant-led dermatology outpatient services from Monaghan Hospital to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, the Anglo-Celt reported on Saturday, 10 October.

In a statement, the Cavan-Monaghan deputy said he had written to the Minister about the impact on patients in Monaghan, in particular the extra travel distance and cost of getting to appointments that were previously available locally. He said the HSE had not provided evidence that the transfer had improved patient outcomes, cut waiting times or improved access to treatment.

"The removal of dermatology services from Monaghan Hospital represents another blow to our hospital under a Fine Gael government," Deputy Carthy said. "It places an additional burden on patients and families who must now travel to Drogheda for appointments that were previously available in Monaghan. This is particularly difficult for older patients, people with disabilities and those without access to private transport."

What he is asking for

According to the statement, the HSE has justified the move on the basis that centralising services will deliver a more streamlined and efficient model of care. Deputy Carthy wants the independent assessment to examine waiting times, patient outcomes and the rationale for removing the service, and said he believes there is "a strong case for restoring consultant-led dermatology outpatient clinics at Monaghan Hospital".

He said he would continue pressing the Minister and the HSE to restore the service. No response from the Department of Health or the HSE was included in the published reports.

For other recent health and public-service news, see our report on the 14 October strike in Monaghan.