Call to double capacity at community hospital in Leitrim
Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn sought support of members in urging the Minister for Health to expand Ballinamore community hospital, stating it would benefit the entire south Leitrim area.
A call has been made to upgrade Ballinamore Community Hospital to accommodate twice the number of residents it currently serves.
Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn sought support of Council members in urging Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill TD, to expand the hospital to a 40 bed unit, stating it would benefit the entire south Leitrim area.
Cllr Reynolds-Flynn told the meeting that the hospital currently facilitates 20 residents and there is room to double this capacity.
“The growing population and ageing demographic means there’s a higher demand for our community. I want to ensure patients receive timely and efficient care,” she said.
Cllr Gary Prior seconded Cllr Reynolds-Flynn’s motion, noting that the hospital operates at or near full capacity most of the time.
He also suggested expanding the motion to include the establishment of an ambulance base at the hospital - an issue he previously raised last year.
He recounted a recent incident where a man in Ballinamore suffering from severe chest pains had to wait 90 minutes for an ambulance in Ballinamore.
“I welcome Cllr Reynolds-Flynn’s motion but it’s a great opportunity to add in a request for an ambulance base,” he added.
Cllr Reynolds-Flynn’s motion received unanimous support from all members.