Jimmy Harte (Labour) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for coming to the House for this debate on the future of three community hospitals in County Donegal, in Stranorlar, Carndonagh and Dungloe. They are as geographically spread out as any three hospitals in the county could be. This issue, which affects every corner of County Donegal, was brought into focus recently when HIQA reports found that the hospitals in question were not 100% satisfactory. Many of these problems stem from the staffing of the hospitals. The communities served by these hospitals and the families of the hospitals' patients need to get some clarity. That would be better than certain individuals going on the airwaves to say that the hospitals will close, or that there will be a reduction in services. Older people would rather have clarity. Many of them would regard the community hospital in the same way as their sitting room or kitchen. That is where they spend their time and where their families visit them.

County Donegal may be unique in how its community hospital service is structured. Lifford Community Hospital, which is roughly in the same boat, provides a useful step-down service to those treated at Letterkenny General Hospital. The local community and the local doctors came together when that hospital was under threat to speak to the Minister and draw up a plan to help the hospital improve structurally. It has been suggested recently that the three hospitals I mentioned at the outset could lose beds and never get them back. Older people find it difficult to accept that possibility. A local councillor, Martin Farren, has attended some meetings about the future of Carndonagh Community Hospital. Another councillor, Frank McBrearty, has been dealing with St. Joseph's Community Hospital in Stranorlar. I have also spoken to people who have attended meetings in Dungloe.

The HSE has a communications problem. Its management should play a more proactive role and say exactly what is happening here. When rumours are spread about hospitals - this seems to be a regular occurrence - politicians from all parties have to find out what is happening and go on the airwaves to explain the position before someone from the HSE eventually issues a statement. The HSE should be more proactive in explaining what is actually happening to the public, the community and the patients in our community hospitals and thereby providing reassurance. The worst thing for a hospital is for a rumour to get legs. In such circumstances, everyone believes the rumours rather than the facts. Maybe that should be considered in the overall context of how the HSE communicates. These rumours should be nipped in the bud more quickly. Perhaps the Minister of State can provide some clarity on the future of these three hospitals.