Surgery cancelled at Navan hospital as Covid cases rise

Our Lady's Hospital in Navan has seen the cancellation of general and orthopaedic surgery, as Covid-19 cases continue to surge.

According to the Irish East Hospital Group, the Navan hospital, like all hospitals across the country, is under severe pressure.

“Unfortunately, due to the latest surge in Covid-19 patients and continued acute admissions, Our Lady’s Hospital has no choice but to cancel orthopaedic surgery lists for a further week and general surgery lists from Friday 29th October until Friday 5th October (inclusive). Endoscopy lists will continue,” according to a statement issued by the group.

Orthopaedic lists had already cancelled from last Monday.

The hospital apologised for the inconvenience to patients and staff and said the situation will be monitored closely over the next week.

The news comes as the Save Navan Hospital Campaign prepares for a major rally in Navan tomorrow Saturday in support of the hospital, in light of HSE plans to replace the A&E in Navan with a Medical Assessment Unit and to close the ICU.

The immediate threat has been lifted with Health Minister Stephen Donnelly ordering his department and the HSE to temporarily pause any planned changes to the A&E service at the hospital.

Deputy Peadar Toibin, chair of the campaign said “The future of our A&E now depends on the good people of Meath. If we come out in our thousands on Saturday, the political establishment will have no choice but to bury the plan to close our A&E. If we don’t, people like you and me, will have no where in their time of need. This is a life and death issue. Be there on Saturday to save our A&E because some day you may need it to save your life”.