Helen McEntee clashes with uncle over changes to Navan hospital

The clinical director of Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, Gerry McEntee, has clashed with Government Ministers who have publicly opposed HSE plans to make changes to the facility’s emergency department, which, he has said, is not safe for patients.

The HSE said it intends to “transition” the hospital’s emergency department by replacing it with a medical assessment unit. An average of six critically ill patients per day would be treated in other hospitals.

HSE director general Paul Reid on Wednesday addressed Government concerns about the plans, which have been led by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee, who is Dr McEntee’s niece.

He said the changes have been prompted by very serious patient safety risks.

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In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Ms McEntee said people in Meath “must be reassured that any proposed changes at Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan would lead to improved services and better patient outcomes”.

“Unfortunately, the presentation from the HSE at the meeting this week caused further concern as it did not address serious questions around capacity.

“Any proposals which would mean people in Meath having to attend emergency services outside the county which would not be adequately resourced to meet increased demand are unacceptable.”

However, Mr McEntee asked on Thursday if people should believe him and other staff at the hospital or the politicians who maintain the hospital’s emergency department is safe.

“Politicians may not agree with me, but who are people going to believe, the staff who are dealing with the issue day in and day out or the politicians who say we are wrong?” he asked on RTÉ Radio’s News at One.

“To give the best opportunity for survival, critically ill patients should be brought directly to a level three or level four hospital as they have essential critical care services, he said. “The people of Co Meath cannot say that.

“If they are brought to Our Lady’s in Navan, they do not have the best chance of survival. The emergency department in Navan is absolutely not safe for patients.”

Nurses, physicians, surgeons, anaesthetists, intensive care staff and junior doctors have all expressed their concern in writing to the Minister for Health, he said.

The emergency department was never going to be closed or downgraded, said Mr McEntee, who added that the proposed change will make sure critically ill patients get a better service elsewhere. The emergency department will continue to be open 24 hours a day, he said.