The people of Co Donegal were told not to give up on the gynaecology ward at Letterkenny General Hospital remaining open.
The rally call was made as more than 350 protested through the streets of Letterkenny today in protest at the closure of the ward.
Families pushing prams and waving placards called on Health Minister James Reilly to reverse the HSE’s decision.
It now appears that the unit will shut and a specialist six unit bed take its place at the new medical wing at the hospital from Monday.
Today’s protest march to Letterkenny’s Market Square was organised by local woman Linda Cullen who revealed she lost a “little angel” despite the best efforts of staff at the gynae ward.
A number of TDs and county councillors turned up to show their support including Deputies Thomas Pringle, Padraig MacLochlain, Lord Mayor of Letterkenny Dessie Larkin, Mayor of Donegal Frank and McBrearty.
Also present were councillors Cora Harvey, Jack Murray, Ian McGarvey, Eamon Blaney, Paul Canning and Mick Quinn.
Organiser Ms Cullen revealed that an average of 300 women suffered miscarriages at Letterkenny General every year.
Deputy Pringle said people should not taken it as a given that the gynae ward at the hospital was closing and that they should continue to fight.
Deputy Padraig MacLochlainn said that Letterkenny was the worst-funded hospital in the country and encouraged people to bombard Deputy Joe McHugh and Senator Jimmy Harte’s office with protest calls.
Mayor of Letterkenny Dessie Larkin said he was there as a father and son and told the Save The Gynae Ward group that they had the full support of Letterkenny Town Council.
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