By Róise Collins
RESPITE services at Ballymacool Respite House in Letterkenny are to be extended, this week’s meeting of the Regional Health Forum West has heard.
Following the successful recruitment of additional staff, the facility will soon be able to operate seven nights per week.
The Letterkenny facility is one of four centres in Donegal offering respite to both children and adults, as there is no dedicated children’s respite centre in the county.
However, only two of the four facilities are currently in operation.
Cllr Gerry McMonagle stressed that this further highlights the lack of services and support for people with disabilities in Donegal.
The Sinn Féin councillor, who raised the issue, has continuously highlighted the shortage of respite beds for children in the county.
Cllr McMonagle has welcomed the additional night at Ballymacool Respite House but highlighted the fact that they only offer alternative weeks for adults and children.
This further emphasises the need for a standalone respite facility for children, he said.
“The demand out there is such that we just can’t keep up with the pace of it,” Cllr McMonagle said.
“I don’t think it’s good enough anymore that families and children themselves are forced to suffer and that they don’t get the respite when they need it.”
As part of the recruitment process at Ballymacool Respite House, three new health care assistants have been employed.
However, no interest has been shown in the vacant staff nurse position from the existing panel.
As a result, the HSE is extending the search to additional staff nurse panels in Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, and Monaghan Community Services.
In the interim, the HSE confirmed they will ensure safe staffing levels by utilising agency and bank staff, so respite services can continue without interruption.
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