The HSE in Galway has refused to confirm that a second unit of Merlin Park Hospital is to close due to ongoing efforts to stay within budget.
Last night a meeting of senior doctors were told that one of the hospital's two orthopaedic units will close, resulting in the loss of 24 beds.
Unit two, as it is known, is used primarily for elective procedures, such as hip, spine, hand and knee operations.
FG Senator Fidelma Healy Eames claims that the unit has a waiting list of 2,000 at the moment.
Last week it emerged that another 24-bed unit in the hospital would close.
The HSE said at the time that patients from that unit would be moved to spare beds in other units on the hospital campus.
