The report, which found Walsh's death was avoidable, will be tabled before a crunch meeting of the Irish Medical Council on Tuesday, when its scathing criticism of medical staff will be discussed.

Walsh (75) from Killanny, Carrickmacross, died of a bleeding ulcer in Monaghan on 14 October 2005, after staff in the hospital failed in their bids to transfer him to three other hospitals . . . Cavan, Drogheda and Beaumont . . . for emergency surgery.

The transfer had been sought as Monaghan hospital is not permitted to carry out such surgery. After Walsh's horrific death, health minister Mary Harney stated that the independent investigation into his death would be completed within eight weeks.

The report . . . finally released last week, some 11 months later . . . criticised a number of doctors involved in Walsh's care and management of health services in the northeast.

A spokeswoman for the Irish Medical Council told the Sunday Tribune this weekend that the report has been tabled for discussion at a key meeting of the body on Tuesday.

When asked if any disciplinary action will be taken against any of the consultants or medical staff in any of the hospitals involved she said, "We look at each of these matters individually so we cannot comment about the report until it has been discussed on Tuesday."

One of the most controversial recommendations contained in the report is that in-patient medical services in Monaghan hospital "cease at the earliest possible opportunity".

This recommedation has met with discontent from local TDs and health activists. TDs Paudge Connolly and Caoimhghin O Caolain have vented their anger with the HSE for taking further services out of Monaghan.

Peadar McMahon, chairman of the Monaghan Hospital Alliance, said, "Clinicians are faulted in this report and the medical council are investigating that, but who is going to discipline the health management who are more heavily criticised in the report?"

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