The Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit is to close for inpatients due to concerns about patient safety in the face of cutbacks.
In a statement, the HSE said a plan for the transfer of patients is to be put in place which will consider the closeness of other nursing units.
It said the decision to close the unit on a phased basis was taken because the safety of patients could not be guaranteed in view of ‘the reducing financial allocation across all HSE services, continued reductions in staff numbers, and the difficulty in meeting HIQA Standards, in particular the standard for physical environment into the future.’
The 28 current long-stay residents will be transferred to alternative accommodation in the surrounding areas, the statement said.
Day-care services will continue to cater for the needs of the 90 clients who currently use the service.
Respite service for the current eight clients will continue however it is intended that it will transfer to a private provider following consultation with the families concerned.
Fianna Fáil TD Sean Fleming condemned the move: “This is most distressing for the 30 elderly long-stay patients in Abbeyleix who regard this community hospital as their home.
“They are being evicted from their home without any regard to their rights or wishes.
“Relatives and families of residents are being contacted as it appears the HSE wants to complete the unilateral movement of patients as quickly as possible.
“The HSE are being uncaring and insensitive in their dealings with these elderly people who are entitled to care and respect.”
