Dundalk band The Corrs have given their support to a campaign to retain and upgrade the hospital in which they were born. Louth County Hospital has seen the loss of a number of services and there are fears the Louth could be further downgraded or closed.
At a press conference in the town yesterday, nursing staff from the hospital said it was paramount that they were backed by the people of Dundalk. Mr Gerry Corr, who attended a press conference, said: "I am lending my support on behalf of all the Corrs."
A spokeswoman for the North Eastern-Health Board insisted there were no plans to downgrade or close the hospital. "At a meeting with Louth county councillors earlier this year, the c.e.o. Mr Paul Robinson stated clearly the future of the hospital is secure. Nothing has changed since that assurance was given," she added.
The hospital, however, has already seen its children and maternity units close, gynaecological services have been reduced to day patients only and the vacancy left by a surgical consultant has yet to be filled.
The Irish Nurses' Organisation and the other unions at the hospital say that with the loss of those essential services they are fearful it is only a matter of time before it is closed.
"We are asking the Minister for Health to intervene urgently to stop any further downgrading such as the removal of surgical services, as they are the lifeblood of the hospital," said nurse Geraldine McCabe.
The nurses have called on the people of Dundalk, north Louth and Monaghan, who are all in the catchment area of the hospital, to take part in a march of support on October 21st from the hospital into Dundalk town centre.
Mr Corr said four of his children were born in the hospital. "Andrea, Jim, Sharon and Gerard were all born in the Louth County Hospital, Caroline was born at home and the service the family received at the hospital was first class." Business and sporting organisations in Dundalk are also behind the staff.
The nurses decided to organise the march after contacting the Minister's office and town councillors and failing to get a meeting with Mr Robinson.