A children's service at a local hospital has been described as at crisis point.
In a letter to parents, Professor Michael O'Grady said that the Paediatric Diabetes service at the Midlands Regional Hospital in Mullingar is without any nursing support.
Professor O'Grady is the national clinical lead for paediatric diabetes.
There are currently 145 children attending the service in Mullingar hospital.
The letter states that although the diabetes clinics will continue for now, there will be no diabetes nurse or dietician present.
Longford-Westmeath TD Joe Flaherty said it is extremely disappointing for families.