Dáil debates

Wednesday, 6 October 2010

Health Services: Motion (Resumed)

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Liz McManusLiz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)

I thank my colleagues for the opportunity to raise an issue in my constituency which is causing grave concern, namely, the future of Wicklow hospital which provides long-stay care for the elderly. It is the only facility in Wicklow Town available for this purpose.

In recent days much concern has been expressed by local people because of indications that this hospital may close. We cannot get answers from the HSE. I ask the Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, or the Minister, Deputy Mary Harney, to intervene to get the answer we need to hear from the HSE. The HSE has not met public representatives. The town council and the county council have all sought meetings. We know an engineer's report has been prepared but we do not know what it means.

There will be a public meeting this Saturday and there will be a large turnout. That kind of anxiety has been generated because the secrecy and uncertainty surrounding this issue is unacceptable. We need to hear loudly and clearly that the future of Wicklow hospital is secure and that improvements will be carried out as necessary.

We have already lost beds in the Orchard nursing home in Bray. At the time, the fire report made it clear that it could not continue to provide for elderly people because of the condition of the nursing home but those beds have not been replaced. In Wicklow town the problem is even more serious. I ask the Minister of State to make it his business to investigate and intervene in this matter.

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