HSE confirms Louth step-down facility will stay open
There was concern over reports that the Drogheda hospital’s 14 transitional care beds were facing closure
Senator Alison Comyn has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that Drogheda Cottage Hospital will remain open and that all services remain operational, following days of concern over reports that the hospital’s 14 nurse-led transitional care beds were facing closure.
The Senator said the announcement follows intensive engagement with HSE management, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, Minister of State Jennifer Murnane O’Connor and local stakeholders after news of the proposed changes emerged earlier this week.
“When I first learned that these 14 vital beds were under threat, I immediately raised the matter in Seanad Éireann and began engaging directly with both Ministers and senior HSE management. The response from the people of Drogheda was immediate and overwhelming.
“These beds provide a vital service for patients who are recovering and preparing to return home, while also freeing up acute hospital capacity. The prospect of losing them made no sense whatsoever and would have represented a serious reduction in healthcare services for the people of Drogheda.”
The proposal caused significant concern among patients, families and the 30 members of staff attached to the service.
“I was particularly concerned for the dedicated staff who learned of these reports through messages and informal communications rather than through proper engagement. The uncertainty and anxiety caused for 30 loyal members of staff over recent days should never have happened.”
Senator Comyn said preparations had already begun for a major public protest should the closures proceed.
“The people of Drogheda fought to protect the Cottage Hospital before and were prepared to do so again. I was ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with local residents, staff and public representatives to oppose any reduction in services.
“I marched alongside concerned members of the community and public representatives when the future of the Cottage Hospital came under threat in 2012. The people of Drogheda have fought for this hospital before and would have done so again.”
While welcoming the HSE’s statement, Senator Comyn cautioned that important questions remain.
“The HSE has now confirmed that the Cottage Hospital will remain open, that all services remain operational and that there are no plans to close the hospital. That is extremely welcome news.
“However, the statement also confirms that a review of the nurse-led transitional care service is underway. I will be seeking assurances that this review strengthens and protects these beds rather than becoming a pathway to reducing them in the future.
“The Cottage Hospital received significant investment only a few years ago and remains an essential part of healthcare provision in Drogheda. Ireland’s largest town needs more healthcare capacity, not less.”
Senator Comyn thanked the staff, unions, patients, families and members of the public who contacted her office over recent days.
“The voices of patients, families, healthcare workers and the 30 members of staff at the Cottage Hospital were heard loud and clear.
“This outcome demonstrates what can be achieved when a community speaks with one voice. While I welcome this development, I will remain vigilant until there is absolute clarity that these 14 beds have a secure future and that this is not merely a stay of execution.
“For now, however, this is a welcome and positive development for patients, staff and the wider Drogheda community.”