HSE has "no intention" of reopening Leitrim Day Care Centres say councillors

The HSE seems to have “no intention” of re-opening Day Care Centres across Leitrim after they were shut down during the Covid pandemic, according to local councillors. Cllr Sean McGowan called on the HSE Manager for Donegal Sligo and Leitrim to attend the December meeting of Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal District to explain the rationale about the withdrawal of day care services in Mohill and Carrick-on-Shannon Community Hospital.

In Manorhamilton, concerns have also been raised about the HSE's failure to reopen Day Care facilities in the town now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Speaking at the Carrick-on-Shannon Municipal Meeting this week, Cllr McGowan said the HSE refused to meet with the councillors over this issue previously. He said that existing centres in Ballinamore and Drumsna cannot cater for all of South Leitrim adding that they are already under pressure.

Cllr McGowan got full support from Carrick members. Cllr Enda McGloin said the HSE has “no intentions of re-opening the facilities.

Cllr Thomas Mulligan called the decision a “disgrace” and said the HSE are not above answering to councillors.

Cllr Paddy Farrell said the issue will be brought up at the Regional Health Forum this week.

Deputy Marian Harkin raised the issue in the Dáil recently, she was informed by the HSE that the day centre in St Patrick’s Community Hospital closed in March 2020 due to national and public health advice, which was secondary to the Covid-19 pandemic. It “remains closed whilst awaiting upgrading work to commence, which will ensure compliance with Infection Prevention and Control standards. The work which is due to be undertaken includes new flooring being laid, painting and the toilet facilities being upgraded. As the funding for the work has not yet been secured, it is not possible to provide an indicative date as to when the Service will be operational.”

The Mohill Social Day Centre was situated within a HIQA Nursing Unit which included shared shower and toilet facilities.

The HSE informed Independent TD Marian Harking that “This situation was deemed non-compliant with HIQA Standards. In order to ensure the availability of a Social Day Centre in the South Leitrim area, the purpose built Ballinamore Social Day Centre is being operated on behalf of the HSE by Leitrim Development Company.”

The HSE said there are alternative Day Services in Drumsna, Ballinaglera, Carrigallen, Ballinamore and Drumkeerin.

Concern over closure of Manorhamilton Day Care Centre.

At Monday's Manorhamilton Municipal District Meeting, Cllr Sean McDermott also highlighted the ongoing closure of the Day Care Centre in Manorhamilton.

“This facility was also taken away during the Covid pandemic and it hasn't come back. This is not good enough,” he told the meeting.

The Fine Gael councillor said that he has asked a party colleague to raise the need to reopen the Day Care Centre at the HSE West forum meeting.