HSE intentions for health care services for the elderly in Cashel are questioned
Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has dispelled the “false narrative” around services for the older people of Cashel and district.
“Over the past weeks, we have witnessed rumour-mongering and exaggerated commentary, which is stoking up fear locally,” he says.
ENHANCED SERVICES
“I have had a number of discussions with the Minister for Older People, Mary Butler and also with HSE Officials. As a result, I can confirm that the St Patrick’s site will not close. In fact, it will be utilised to its maximum potential with a variety of enhanced services that will be very welcome additions to the provision of healthcare in Cashel,” said Deputy Lowry.
He said that in addition to this, Minister Butler had confirmed to him that there is no suggestion that there will not be a Community Nursing Unit (CNU) built in Cashel.
“Cashel will not lose long-stay beds. The new Community Nursing Unit (CNU) with 60 en-suite single rooms will be built,” he insisted.
CAPITAL PLAN
Deputy Lowry said the HSE was currently appraising suitable sites in Cashel.
The Community Nursing Unit would be constructed in the town.
It was on the capital plan and funding would be provided and its provision would be a focus throughout 2023.
“This project has progressed to detailed design stage. I have received assurances from both Minister Butler and Minister Paschal Donohue, that funding for this project will be included in the capital plan to be published next month.
“I will be holding the Government to account on the delivery of this new unit,” concluded Deputy Lowry.
DEPUTY BROWNE
Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne has contacted all Tipperary Oireachtas members and members of the Regional Health Forum to establish a united approach towards the developments at St Patrick’s Hospital Cashel and the development of a Community Nursing Unit on its site.
Deputy Browne issued the invitation following Thursday’s public meeting on the future of St Patrick’s in light of the HSE’s claim that the site was no longer viewed as suitable for the development of a CNU.
SHARING
“Thursday’s meeting was all about public representatives sharing with the public any information they have received concerning the HSE’s change of mind about developing a Community Nursing Unit on the site of St Patrick’s Hospital, Cashel.
“It was also a forum at which members of the public could give their response and share their insights about St Patrick’s and the HSE’s sudden change of mind,”he said.
LACK OF CLARITY
“Dissatisfaction was expressed by the elected representatives at the lack of clarity forthcoming from the HSE on progression of the CNU project.
“The lack of detail from the HSE at how they arrived at their decision was highlighted, while concerns were also expressed at how the inclusion of a project in a capital plan does not necessarily result in the development of that project,” said Deputy Browne.
“We need clarity from the HSE about the reasons behind the decisions they’ve made, and what their true intentions are for St Patrick’s overall, for the Community Nursing Unit, and for the future of services in Cashel, given that the HSE is prone to changing its mind about services – and St Brigid’s in Carrick on Suir is just one recent and local example,” said Deputy Browne.
“People who have worked at St Patrick’s or who have had years of association with the hospital and its site told the meeting that they do not accept the HSE’s claim that the site of St Patrick’s is unsuitable for the CNU,” he said.
“In their opinion, which is informed through a deep knowledge of and association with St Patrick’s, is that there is sufficient land available on-site to allow for the development of the CNU. Furthermore, there is particular concern generally that any undue delay in progressing the project, such as the HSE’s current review of options could, over time, lead to a gradual leakage of beds to other areas of the county, eventually resulting in an abandonment of the project in the long-term,” said Deputy Browne.
He said that a unanimous decision was made for all Oireachtas members, and Tipperary members of the Regional Health Forum, to develop a united approach in securing clarity from the HSE about their intentions and the reasons for their decisions thus far, and to make it clear that the people of Cashel want all services at St Patrick’s retained, including the development of the Community Nursing Unit.
Cashel-based Cllr Declan Burgess has demanded a commitment that the staff of St Patrick’s Hospital will be retained in Cashel.
“I am urging the Fianna Fáil Minister and the HSE management to confirm that the staff of St Patrick’s Hospital will not be moved out of Cashel and wherever the new 60-bed unit for Cashel goes the staff will be retained in the town. This is an extremely important factor for me,” said Declan.
“Staff are deeply concerned about the future of their jobs. The staff of St Patrick’s are highly committed to the hospital and their patients. Their future is in Cashel and the HSE, along with the Government must make a firm commitment to them that their spot will be in Cashel and not elsewhere” Burgess continued.
Councillor Declan Burgess hits out against the “political football” surrounding this “emotive issue”. “I’m deeply disappointed with the comments that have been continuously made by some individuals who have political motives and I’m sick and tired of the political football that is being made about St Patrick’s Hospital in Cashel,” he added.