The HSE has confirmed it is to close two wards containing a total of 28 beds at Our Lady's Hospital in Navan.
The executive held a meeting with union representatives in today to discuss the closure plan for the temporary medical ward with 15 beds and a surgical ward, which has 13 beds.
In a statement, a HSE spokesman said the temporary medical ward was opened in July for a three month period to support the reconfiguration of medical services in Louth County Hospital.
He said the closure of the surgical ward was linked to the cessation of acute and emergency surgery services at Navnan.
The executive said there was no confirmed date when the regional orthopaedic unit at Our Lady's will close. “The HSE is currently ascertaining what amount of work can be done above the 2009 level. That will dictate when the unit will close and when it will reopen in the New Year,” the spokesman said.
Labour Party Senator Dominic Hannigan said the closure of the wards was a “retrograde step” which will affect the quality of patient care.
“This move will be very disappointing for the members of local communities all over Meath, who now see this as a threat to the long-term capacity of the hospital to operate in a sustainable manner.”
He said the reduction in capacity in Navan will put further pressure on Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.