The National Hospital Campaign says people's lives are in danger and frontline emergency services are collapsing around the country, as a result of continuing cutbacks.
The government is planning to take a further €600 million out of the health budget this year.
The National Hospital Campaign is meeting in Portlaoise at lunchtime (1pm) to discuss a national day of action on April 5th.
Chairman Peadar Toibin, TD for Meath West, says the continuing cuts are leading to an unsafe environment for patients:
"The Irish health system has seen unprecedented budget cuts over the last 4 years. No other country has experienced the level of deep and damaging cuts. This year we see another €600m of cuts detailed. It’s resulting in tragedies for patients throughout the state."
Meanwhile, a helpline is available today at the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise to deal with concerns arising from a documentary which looked at the deaths of four newborn babies at the hospital over a six year period.
The number is 057-86 96 076 and it will be open from 9am to 5pm today and tomorrow.
Image: The Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise Photo: Eamonn Farrell/Photocall Ireland.
