A Donegal County Councillor has called on the HSE to incorporate a dedicated respite care facility into the plans for the proposed new Lifford Community Hospital.
Cllr Gary Doherty described the current lack of provision in the county as “unsustainable and deeply unfair on families.”
Speaking at yesterday’s Regional Health Forum in Galway, the Sinn Féin councillor said the development of the new Lifford Hospital presents a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to address long standing gaps in disability services across Donegal.
The project, which includes a new 25-bed short-stay Community Hospital and a Primary Care Centre, has already received capital approval, with the appointment of a design team expected later this year.
Cllr Doherty said it is critical that respite care is built into the plans now, while the project is still at design stage.
“We have a rare window of opportunity here. The plans for Lifford are still being drawn up, and we must ensure that respite care is not left behind yet again. If we don’t act now, families could be waiting another decade.”
Highlighting recent findings from the Special Needs Parents Network Donegal, he pointed to a clear and urgent need for improved services.
“The reality for families is stark. Many simply do not know where to turn. Over 70 per cent of parents surveyed said they didn’t know who to contact about respite services, and every single respondent said they lacked sufficient information about what is available.”
He added that the demand for respite services is not in question.
“Ninety-one percent of families said proper respite provision would improve their ability to care, while 72 per cent said it would have a positive impact on their child. The demand is there but what’s missing is capacity.”
Currently, Donegal has just six HIQA-registered respite centres, with services often split between adults and children. This results in limited and inconsistent access, with only 12 beds available every second week for children across the entire county.
Pressure on families
Cllr Doherty warned that this shortage is placing significant strain on families.
“Parents across Donegal have been campaigning for years for basic supports. The lack of respite beds is putting enormous pressure on families who are already doing everything they can.”
He also welcomed the submission of a business case by HSE Donegal Disability Services for a specialised respite centre, but stressed that a location must now be secured.
“We have a proposal. We have identified need. What we now require is delivery. The Lifford site is the ideal location in my view. Here we have a greenfield site with space, infrastructure, and the opportunity to deliver integrated care.”
Cllr Doherty said co-locating respite care alongside the new hospital and primary care centre would create a more efficient and accessible model of care for families in Donegal.
“This is about building a modern health campus that reflects the real needs of our communities. Respite care must be part of that vision.”
He concluded by urging the HSE to act decisively.
“Families in Donegal have waited long enough. This is the moment to act with ambition and deliver the services they deserve.”