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Irish Independent

‘Doctors and nurses are at their wits' end' – Health Minister under fire over ‘callous ripping' of services from Monaghan Hospital

The call came from Cavan-Monaghan TD Cathy Bennett as concerns were aired over accident and emergency waiting time lists and the hundreds of patients still waiting to access potentially vital MRI services at Cavan General Hospital. Follow Independent Monaghan on Facebook Ms Bennett lambasted what she branded the 'gall of circular logic' concerning the suitability and demand for an MRI machine in Monaghan Hospital. 'The HSE tells us it cannot determine this without a feasibility study, but that there is not a plan for a feasibility report because there is no service requirement, as people have access to Cavan,' she said. 'Over 1,000 people whom a consultant has determined to be in need of a scan are waiting three months to a year. 'Some 58 people are waiting for more than 12 months and we are told there is not a need to examine the possibility of a machine in Monaghan Hospital and the impact it would have. The gall of circular logic is utterly astounding.' In response, Junior Health Minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor pointed to a 70pc increase in bed numbers at Monaghan Hospital with the development of pain services, haemochromatosis and an expansion of cardiology services very much ongoing. The Carlow-Kilkenny TD said she was also conscious of recent media reports concerning bed allocation rates at the hospital and confirmed HSE bosses had not made an application for CT or MRI facilities in Monaghan to date. Follow Independent Cavan on Facebook 'However, Cavan and Monaghan Hospital has made an application to replace the existing MRI scanner located in Cavan,' she stated. 'The project has been approved and works are expected to be completed by the end of this year.' Despite those admissions, the former Monaghan County Council cathaoirleach expressed her disappointment at Ms Carroll MacNeill's absence, insisting references of 'substantial investment' were short of what patients in the Farney County required. ADVERTISEMENT 'She should come and do a spot-check and see how overcrowded the hospital in Cavan is and how doctors and nurses are at their wits' end. It is unsafe (and) something needs to be done. 'Put the proper equipment into Monaghan hospital and that will reduce waiting lists.'