BY KATE HEANEY
ANGER at the proposed closure of Lifford Community Hospital continued this week with Labour Party Councillor Frank McBrearty threatening to resign over the issue.
The decision to cease residential care at Lifford Community Hospital was included in the Service Plan for HSE West which was published on Friday last.
Fianna Fáil Senator Brian O’Domhnaill described the proposed closure as a ‘disastrous move’ for the area while MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher complained that the three month consultation period was too short.
The HSE has defended the proposal, saying the level of staff cuts being imposed on the service in Donegal locally means the hospital is no longer sustainable.
Lifford currently has 11 long term beds and a number of step-down beds which assist in relieving pressure on Letterkenny General Hospital.
In a statement the HSE stated that the closure of the residential care aspect of the hospital is proposed as part of the consultation process, while it is understood that counter proposals to keep the facility open and improve its viability will be considered.
A public consultation on the future of the Hospital will now begin on March 1.
Cllr McBrearty, said he’s furious with the Lifford Hospital decision, and warned that if it closes, he will quit the Labour Party.
“I am a man of honour and I will stand by what I said. In three months time if the process hasn’t worked I will resign from the Labour Party,” Cllr McBrearty warned.