The HSE says the Government acknowledge their concerns over the safety of Navan Hospital's A&E.
The Executive wants to push through with plans to replace it with a GP-referred medical assessment unit, while the Health Minister has called for a pause.
Over 7,000 people turned out to a rally in the Meath town last weekend calling for the emergency department to be kept.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has also raised concerns, while Tánaiste Leo Varadkar questioned whether the HSE's plan is wise.
The plans have faced opposition from local representatives, with Aontu leader Peadar Tobin saying any attempts to downsize would threaten the people of Navan.
HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry says discussions are ongoing:
"Ministers certainly acknowledge the concerns and they're groups of physicians in Navan and groups of consultants in Drogheda that we've heard about since 2017.
"What he's asked us to do is to address some concerns as to how this arrangement would work and how we preserve services in Navan.
"And how we make sure hospitals which take those small numbers of patients have the capacity."
