Calls are growing to upgrade Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda from a Model 3 to a Model 4 facility, as pressure on services continues to increase across Louth, Meath and the wider North East.
With the region's population now approaching 400,000, campaigners say the hospital is struggling to meet the demands of one of the country's fastest-growing areas.
While the hospital already provides round-the-clock emergency care, surgery and maternity services, supporters of the upgrade argue it needs the additional funding, staffing and specialist services that come with Model 4 status.
Fine Gael TD Paula Butterly says the hospital is already delivering what she describes as \"Model 4 levels of performance\" despite being funded and staffed as a Model 3 hospital. She believes the current designation no longer reflects the needs of the region or the volume of patients relying on the hospital.
Deputy Paula Butterly joined us on The Agenda to explain why she believes the North East deserves a Model 4 hospital.