By Róise Collins

THE HSE have confirmed that they are currently working to reopen 13 short-term beds at Killybegs Community Hospital which had been closed due to staffing issues.

It comes after Councillor Jimmy Brogan contacted both the Minister for Health and the HSE regarding the “serious issues” surrounding staff shortages at the hospital and called for the vacant staffing positions to be filled immediately.

“All efforts must be made to find the staff to fill these positions as soon as possible,” he said.

The Independent councillor explained that the community hospital caters to a large population across a wide area, including Glencolmcille, Ardara, Bruckless, and Dunkineely.

“These beds are needed immediately, especially for elderly patients in these areas who want to stay in their own community and be close to their families,” he added.

In response to a query from the Donegal News the HSE confirmed that the short-term beds in Killybegs are currently not available due to staffing issues and they are currently working to fill the vacancies.

“The Older Persons Management Team are working closely with the Human Resource Department to progress the recruitment of staff into funded vacant posts to maximise capacity within the unit.

“Once the required staffing are available the beds will re-open on a phased basis,” the HSE spokesperson confirmed.