Expansion potential at Laois hospital says HSE boss claims Laois representative
Health services provided at the Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit could expand further.
That's what Laois/Offaly Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley says he has been told by the head of the HSE who visited the Centre recently.
Dep Stanley said he welcomed the visit by HSE CEO Bernard Gloster which he added also honoured a commitment he gave explore further opportunities to develop the facility.
“I spoke with him a number of times early in the summer and conveyed to him my belief that Abbeyleix Hospital site was the perfect location for an integrated Community Care and Health Hub," said the TD.
Dep Stanley said the has communicated with him since the visit on Thursday, September 21 when staff took him on a tour of the Day Care Centre.
"In the past week since his visit, I have discussed with him his observations. He was impressed with the space available on the site, location and the commitment of staff both in the Transitional Care Unit, which is the step-down facility for patients being discharged from Portlaoise and the Community Nursing Unit for respite and the elderly.
“He informs me that he sees an opportunity to further expand services on the Abbeyleix site and has requested senior HSE officials to advance a number of areas for expansion and improvement. He has identified the urgent need to have the Day Care Centre relocated in a new modular building and has instructed officials to progress this. This in turn would free up space in the main building for an additional 5-6 beds for Respite or Transitional Care. A new building on the site may also have the possibility of accommodation for more bed space," said the TD.
Dep Stanley said Mr Gloster also visited Primary Care and GP services in the town.
“Regarding the GP and Primary Care, he has committed to improving the facilities at the hospital for the local GP & Public Health Nurse. He expressed a strong belief that all onsite services and disciplines therapies etc need to be available for the step-down patients from Portlaoise and Respite patients in the Community Nursing Unit and for those attending Primary Care," he said.
Dep Stanley expressed the belief that Abbeyleix is in a much better space now than it was 12 years ago when it was earmarked for closure but saved after legal and public pressure stopped the HSE.
"I will continue to press the case with the HSE and with its Chief Executive Mr. Gloster, that Abbeyleix is established as a significant facility for integrated health services and community care for County Laois," said the TD.
The unit is jointly governed by Midlands Louth Meath CHO Community Services and the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group. Staff from Portlaoise hospital accompanied Mr Gloster on his visit.