|
TD's fears for nursing beds
10.01.12
INISHOWEN TD Charlie
McConalogue has expressed concern about the impact
of the revised HSE service plan on community
hospitals and nursing units in Co Donegal. His
comments follow confirmation from Health Minister
James Reilly last week that he has asked the HSE to
revise the proposed service plan for 2012.
"I am deeply concerned about the revision of the HSE
service plan and what impact it will have on
services at the community hospital in Carndonagh,
Buncrana Community Nursing Unit and Letterkenny
General Hospital services," said Deputy McConalogue.
“Local health services are already under serious
strain and we must avoid any further bed closures.
My worry is that Minister Reilly will use the
service plan to start making a case that community
hospitals and community nursing units are no longer
viable. |
"There is huge fear
about this within the local community. Community
hospitals and nursing units play a very important
role in rural locations and I am working to ensure
that these vital services are protected."
The Gleneely-based deputy added: “We are almost
midway through January with no approved plan for the
running of our health service for the coming year.
This is not how we should be doing business.
"We have already significant bed closures at
community level across the country last year.
Minister Reilly’s agenda is casting doubt over the
entire future of community hospitals and community
nursing units. |
|
Charlie McConalogue, TD. |
I will continue to
oppose any further cutbacks to our local health
services and will fight tooth and nail to ensure
that current services are maintained in 2012 and
into the future.” |
|