A recent report on hospital reform says emergency services will soon only be available in a number of major hospitals.
The Hanly report, which has been agreed by doctors, will shortly go to cabinet.
Fergal Bowers of Irishhealth.com says the report also says in future emergency support can only be provided in a small number of major hospitals.
He also believes the report will be controversial because it means that those living in isolated area will have to suffice with the smaller hospitals which in future will only deal with elderly people, day cases and minor injuries.