The Monaghan Community Alliance has staged a protest in Dublin over what it says is the continual downgrading of Monaghan General Hospital.
The hospital's acute surgical ward officially closes today.
The protestors staged a mock funeral outside Leinster House this morning.
They have described the decision to move all major surgery from Monaghan to Cavan General Hospital as a 'black day' for the people of Monaghan.
The Health Service Executive said the need for re-organisation of acute surgical services in Cavan/Monaghan is based on the need for patient safety, good clinical care and service to the community.
The recommendation for the move, announced by the National Hospitals Office and the Royal College of Surgeons last month, followed a major report on surgical services in the hospital.
