St. Conlon’s to transfer to new Community Nursing Home in October confirms Lowry
There was major upset last year over using the Nursing Home as a 'step-down facility'
St. Conlon’s in Nenagh will be transferred to its original purpose as a Community Nursing Home in October, says Deputy Michael Lowry.
Plans to use the newly built community nursing home in Nenagh as a step-down facility to ease congestion at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) will have been in place for over a year.
"In recent discussions with the HSE and Department officials, I insisted that the temporary contract for the use new Community Nursing Home would not be extended.
"I am pleased that the HSE has now confirmed to me that the contract will expire this September and will not be renewed. This now clears the way for the transfer of patients and staff at St. Conlon’s to the new unit. This will happen in October of this year.
"This delayed transfer was regrettable, but arose out of the chronic over-crowding at UHL. This overdue decision is welcome news for all involved with St. Conlon’s.
"There was understandable upset last year when it was learned that the Nursing Home would be used by the HSE as a step-down progressive care facility to alleviate over-crowding at University Hospital Limerick. Fears were expressed at the time that the state-of-the-art building would not be returned to the local community as a Nursing Home.
"I was assured at that time by Senior Executives at the HSE that the Unit had been contracted to Bartra Healthcare for one year only. Assurances were also given that, once this term expires, North Tipperary patients will benefit from this facility and will be prioritised for admission to the unit", Deputy Lowry said.