Fears were expressed yesterday that a plan by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to close two wards at Monaghan General Hospital for a year while development work is carried out could result in services being moved elsewhere and never reinstated.
The hospital has three inpatient wards, each with 26 beds, and the decision means just one ward, in addition to a day ward, will remain open when building work starts, probably early next year. Hospital staff were told of the plan yesterday.
Peadar McMahon, of the Monaghan Community Hospital Alliance, said that while investment in the hospital was welcome, there was huge concern the hospital would end up being akin to a nursing home.
The alliance will hold an emergency meeting to discuss the plan tomorrow night.
Mr McMahon said if two wards close the hospital will have to go off call and services provided will be down to a minimum.
"We are extremely worried. We are also very angry. Where the hell are we going to go in Monaghan if we have only one hospital ward open. And other hospitals in the region and in Dublin are overflowing."
A spokeswoman for the HSE North East Area said the refurbishment of two wards at the hospital was set out in this year's capital development programme, announced some time ago.
"Approval has been received to progress with the design of the project up to tender stage. The works will include the entire refurbishment of the two wards, installation of second lift shaft, improved sanitation, provision of patient day-room facilities, improved bed-head services.
"This will provide a better environment for patient care," she said.
"The estimated cost of the work is €4.4 million. This is a significant capital investment for the hospital."