Jimmy Harte (Labour)

The issue of Lifford community hospital was debated here recently. A report issued by the HSE west last week indicated that Lifford community hospital would close in three months subject to consultation and a review. There will be a meeting tomorrow with Mr. John Hayes of HSE west in Letterkenny to discuss the plan. I was born in Lifford community hospital and some of my family members passed away there over the years. The most recent HIQA report from September 2011 highlights the great care patients are getting in the hospital and how well the hospital is regarded in the community. It also acts as a step-down facility for Letterkenny General Hospital which is approximately 20 minutes away. Mr. Hayes has admitted that this may pose a difficulty. In light of the favourable HIQA report perhaps the Minister might suggest that the hospital be given one year or two years rather than the three months, which would allow patients the time to get used to the fact that it might close down.

My most recent visit to the hospital was before Christmas. Some of the patients regard the hospital as their home. One patient said, "This is my sitting room and this is my fireplace". Most of them would be over 80 and regard it as a home. I accept that if they are moved to St. Joseph's home in Stranorlar they might be cared for as well. However, moving them from what they regard as their home could come as a shock to them. The community in Lifford have raised more than €100,000 to assist the HSE in whatever way possible to improve the facilities in the hospital. While I accept the building is old, the quality of care cannot be overstated.

The report highlighted that the hospital can give better care because the numbers are small. There are 11 long-stay beds and nine respite beds. The fact that the numbers have fallen gives them a better quality of care. I ask the Minister to extend the time from three months to 12 months or perhaps two years before a closure takes place.