Emergency Public Meeting called on Portlaoise Hospital for tomorrow evening as downgrading proposals cause fury and alarm.

Portlaoise Hospital Action Committee has called an Emergency Public Meeting for this Wednesday, October 25 at 8pm in the Midlands Park Hotel in Portlaoise.

This is an apolitical meeting open to all members of the public concerned about the latest speculation and reports concerning the proposed downgrading of Portlaoise Hospital, starting with the removal of its 24/7 A&E Department.

Portlaoise Hospital A&E currently deals with more than 39,000 referrals annually, more than either Naas or Tullamore, and caters for a population catchment in excess of 250,000; in close proximity to two high security prisons, two major motorways (M7 and M8), as well as mainline rail in the fastest growing town in the country.

Members of the public and the media are invited to attend the meeting to which all local TDs, elected representatives, GPs, Hospital Management and HSE officials have been invited.

The meeting will be Chaired by Mr Peter O Neill. Please note, a venue change from St Mary's Hall which was originally proposed but is not now available.

If you want to voice your opinion on the downgrading of Portlaoise Hospital, the meeting is tomorrow evening at 8pm in the Midlands Park Hotel, Porlaoise.