By Diarmaid Doherty
Primary Care Physiotherapy services at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Stranorlar are to be delivered from community hospitals in Lifford and Donegal Town from next week.
In a statement, the HSE confirmed that following a recent HIQA inspection in St Joseph’s Hospital, Stranorlar and an identified need for essential fire upgrade works to be undertaken, Primary Care Physiotherapy will relocate to alternative accommodation with immediate effect.
The statement continued: “From Monday, 26th February 2024, Primary Care Physiotherapy Services will be delivered from Donegal Town Community Hospital (for patients residing in Altapaste, Cloghan, Cappry, Goland, Knock & Stranorlar ED areas) and Lifford Community Hospital (for patients residing in Convoy, Gleneely, Killygordon and Drumkeen ED areas).
“From Tuesday, 27th February 2024, please contact 074 974 0623 to speak to a Physiotherapist.”
The statement added that Occupational Therapy Services are a home based service and will not be affected by this move.
“The services are communicating with affected service users advising on which centre to attend for appointment and notifying all other stakeholders of the relocation.
“Work is ongoing to secure suitable, appropriate accommodation in the Finn Valley area to enable services to be restored as soon as possible.”
Earlier this week local election candidate Mary T Sweeney of Aontú, who is Chair of the Letterkenny Hospital Campaign Group, expressed alarm at the possible loss of services at St Joseph’s Community Hospital.
She stressed how the elderly residents there, many of whom experience reduced or limited mobility, greatly depend on both OT and Physio daily to aid their circulation and dexterity.
Meanwhile Sinn Féin Election candidate for the Lifford-Stranorlar Municipal District, Dakota Nic Mheanman, also hit out at the removal of the services at St. Joseph’s.
“This news is devastating for people in my area and flies in the face of Slainte Care reform and the Enhanced Community Care Programme,” she said.
“The Government had pledged, through Slainte Care, equal access to services based on patient need in their own community.
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