‘No accountability’ - Tipperary residents ‘shocked’ as ‘beloved’ facility remains closed

Local residents have been “shocked” by the continued closure of a “vital” and “beloved” facility in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary.

Independent Tipperary South TD Mattie McGrath raised the issue of St. Brigid’s Hospital in the Dáil recently.

Deputy McGrath said: “When St Brigid's Hospital in Carrick-on-Suir was closed, the people of Carrick-on-Suir were shocked.

“They were also promised that a primary care centre would become a hub for chronic disease management. A centre of excellence was promised.

“Instead, we are now seeing the removal of vital services like the diabetic clinic and the cardiology care from the primary care centre, all because of reports of a lack of space.”

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Deputy McGrath went on to criticise the Health Service Executive (HSE) for the way it has handled the issue of the hospital.

“At the time, the Taoiseach met the former Deputy, Jackie Cahill, and Councillor Kieran Bourke, and promised the hospital would be reopened as a community hospital. That did not happen.

“The people of Carrick-on-Suir have lost their beloved hospital and have been left with more and more broken promises.

“It appears the HSE can do what it wants, there is no accountability and its word means nothing.”

Addressing the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, he asked for clarity on the future of the hospital.

“I ask the Taoiseach for immediate clarity on what steps will be taken to restore these vital services locally.

“Will an additional modular space be provided if there is not space, although I believe there is?

“Can we have a full audit into the use of St Brigid's Hospital and the primary care centre to make sure it is not being used by officials rather than services?”

In response to Deputy McGrath, the Taoiseach said he would engage with the HSE on the issue.

Deputy Martin stated: “I will engage with the HSE to bring the clarity the Deputy requires in respect of St Brigid's Hospital and the centre there.

“Facilities should be used in terms of primary care. Again, I will have to engage with the HSE in respect of this to bring further clarity to it and get an updated position.”

St Brigid’s Hospital has been closed to in-patients since May 2020, shortly after it was re-designated as a step down care unit for people recovering from Covid-19.

It is now used predominantly as office accommodation for HSE staff.