HSE Management to meet representatives on Community Nursing Unit in Tipperary

The Cathaoirleach of the Tipperary - Cahir - Cashel Municipal District Cllr Declan Burgess has welcomed correspondence from HSE management that they will meet with the local Oireachtas and Health Forum members in relation to the proposed Community Nursing Unit for Cashel. Although no date is fixed yet, Burgess welcomes their engagement.
“Following on from representations, the request made about a meeting has been accepted and I believe that’s a positive step. It’s important to highlight that funding for this project has been secured in this year's Capital Plan by the HSE and our older people deserve a purpose built, state-of-the- art nursing facility. However, the vague commitments and responses by the HSE must end. We need meaningful engagement on this matter and not let political football be made of this very important project for Cashel and the wider South Tipperary area” said Cllr Burgess.
In correspondence from the HSE to Cllr Burgess (in relation to the report of the Palmers Hill site).

PRELIMINARY FEASIBILITY STUDY CARRIED OUT
The HSE recently engaged an architectural practice to carry out a preliminary feasibility study of its land at Palmers Hill, Cashel. This report investigated the option of building a new 60-bed Community Nursing Unit (CNU) on the site. The report has identified that the lower field could be very suitable for a 60 bed CNU, as it is an attractive site with good aspects and views.
There were some issues identified in terms of access and site boundaries, which need to be investigated further. This will be done in conjunction with a topographical survey of the site. These investigations are necessary to establish if the development of a new 60 bed CNU, on these lands, is a viable option.
Councillor Burgess concluded: “This project is vital to community healthcare in our area and the HSE must be forthcoming in dealing with the concerns raised. I am positive that this development will go ahead but the delays must be in the past and move forward with this. I have highlighted the challenges around the Palmers Hill site since it was first mentioned, so I’m not surprised it poses the need for further examination. I urge the HSE to carry this out as soon as possible. I am a firm believer that the obvious site is at St. Patrick’s Hospital Campus and not the Palmer Hill location. But I am willing to engage with the HSE in a productive way and I am asking for my political colleagues to do the same.”