by Louise Doyle
A NUMBER of respite beds in St Joseph’s Community Hospital were forced to close in the wake of a HIQA inspection which flagged the need for continued fire upgrade works.
Concern emerged this week that respite facilities had been removed from the Stranorlar based hospital with immediate effect
following the inspection on Friday last.
In a statement to Donegal News in response to a query we lodged, a HSE spokesperson confirmed respite beds at the hospital had to be closed in order to “operate within the regulations”.
The spokesperson said: “Following a HIQA inspection last week in St Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranorlar, and in order to continue to operate within the regulations, a number of respite beds had to be temporarily closed to allow for essential refurbishment/fire upgrade works to continue.
“A number of respite beds in Finn View ward had to be cancelled for an approximately four week period in order for these essential works to be completed.”
The spokesperson said the HSE is “working closely with HIQA to ensure these beds become operational as soon as possible”.
The HSE has said alternative respite arrangements have beenoffered to patients and their families.
Sinn Féin Councillor for the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, Cllr Dakota Nic Mheanman sought clarity after being told that all respite facilities were closed following the HIQA inspection.
She said the development has “significantly added” to concerns that she already has about the future of such crucial facilities.
“I can’t imagine the stress this will cause families affected, especially at this time of year,” she said.
“I pledged in my election campaign to protect and help develop healthcare services locally.
“And I’ve been worried about the future of important facilities, such as respite care, at St. Joseph’s for a long time and this news has significantly added to my concerns about the future of the Hospital.”
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