HSE boss commends Laois facility saved from axe during Celtic Tiger crash
Health services delivered in Abbeyleix at a community health facility that the HSE wanted to shut down to save money have been commended by the current HSE boss who has made a visit to the Laois unit.
CEO of the Health Service Executive, Bernard Gloster visited Abbeyleix Community campus on Thursday, September 21 to meet with management, staff and patients who work in and use the facility which is jointly governed by Midlands Louth Meath CHO Community Services and the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.
He visited the new Transitional Care Unit and the Community Nursing Unit, which share the campus with Primary Care services providing a wide range of services to the population of Laois and beyond.
A HSE statement said Mr Gloster heard about the development of the Transitional Care Unit which is a service provided by the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise (MRHP). It was described as a new care model that sees hospital staff working within a community care facility for the benefit of patients, ensuring reablement so they can continue their recovery and learn to manage again after a period of illness outside hospital.
The HSE statement added that he also discussed the models of care for respite and long-term care delivered by Community Services for older persons and met with patients and their families who are using these services.
To conclude his visit, the HSE said Mr Gloster heard about the ongoing work across the integrated care area and future plans for Enhanced Community Care and opportunities that exist on the Abbeyleix campus. The HSE said the CEO acknowledged the work across Community and Hospital services for taking a lead in the delivery of integrated healthcare for Laois which is in line with the national policy of Sláintecare. The HSE said he commended the developments in services on the Abbeyleix campus for the people of Laois and beyond.
Maureen Delaney (aged 89) Bridget O'Neill (aged 92) and Catherine Kelly (aged 93), who have been cared for at the Co Laois facility were granted permission by the High Court to challenge the HSE's decision to close the unit.
Thousands of people subsequently marched on two occasions in Laois to convince the HSE that closure should not happen.
Among those to accompany him on his visit to Abbeyleix were Olivia Lafferty, Director of Nursing MRHP, John Connaughton, Clinical Director MRHP, Donal Fitzsimons, Head of Older Persons HSE Midlands Louth Meath CHO8, Carole Broadbank, Chief Officer HSE Midlands Louth Meath CHO8, Orlagh Claffey, Chief Operations Officer, DMHG and John Joyce, General Manager MRHP.