The North Eastern Health Board today confirmed it had suspended two consultants from Cavan General Hospital. The two men were suspended without pay yesterday following complaints made earlier in the year.
The exact circumstances that led to the decision by the board remains unclear, however it is understood the complaints relate to interpersonal difficulties between both men.
It is feared the suspensions may hit the surgical unit at the hospital, which has been under additional pressure since Monaghan General Hospital went off-call last summer.
However chief executive of the North Eastern Health Board, Mr Paul Robinson, said he was "satisfied" that patient safety or welfare had not been compromised.
The health board confirmed it was now trying to secure locum cover "to ensure there is a minimum disruption to patient services."
Mr Robinson has asked the Minister for Health and Children Mr Michael Martin to set up a committee to investigate the matter.
The board said it would not be making any further comment until after the examination.