HSE called on to rethink nursing home plan in Tipperary

The decision by the HSE to take over the new community nursing home in Nenagh to deal with overcrowding in UHL needs a rethink by the HSE, says Deputy Alan Kelly.

"I appreciate the pressure that they are under and I support other measures that are being brought in regarding re-profiling the new 96-bed block to maximise beds, analysis of GP referrals at the entry to A&E and the possibility of moving MAUs to 24 hours across Nenagh, Ennis and St John’s hospitals if they can staff them.

"However, this decision to not open the new community nursing home is completely wrong. I’ve a long history with the development of this new state of the art 50-bed unit built beside the hospital.

"Put simply, two wrongs don’t make a right and depriving the elderly of Nenagh and surrounds of this facility is disgraceful. It’s also so wrong that the current 20 residents of St Conlon’s, which HIQA have said has to be closed because of its physical structure, will not be able to live their lives in this fantastic new facility. I’ve spoken to the families of these residents who are very angry about what’s planned.

"Also, the staff have been let down totally as they expected to be in the new facility this month, according to what the HSE announced themselves. The three trade unions, SIPTU, INMO and FORSA are meeting with the HSE this morning to expressly tell them of their concerns and that they do not accept this decision.

"Expressly, the unions cannot accept the back door privatisation by the HSE of public jobs. In order for this decision to be followed through on, the HSE will need the cooperation of these unions and I can’t see that happening across the board.

"It’s also laughable that the HSE are saying this move will only be until 2025. Nobody believes this, residents and their families; workers or the unions. Neither do I. That’s why we as a community have to fight this decision and ensure our elderly in Nenagh and surrounds are looked after.

"Many can’t advocate for themselves so we have to do it and ensure they get the respect that they deserve and access to this brand new facility," he added.