The HSE’s Mid West Service plan for 2013 was published on Thursday and public reaction to it has been mixed.
Staff in St Patrick’s Hospital in Cashel were called into a meeting yesterday morning where they were told that the rehabilitation unit and respite beds are to be transferred to the top floor of Our Lady’s hospital.
Staff claim that they hadn’t been consulted with ahead of the decision.
The move is been viewed as a step towards downgrading St Patrick’s Hospital.
Commenting Cllr Tom Wood said that in his view, the relocation of the unit and respite beds could be a ploy which would result in them later being transferred elsewhere, as their location on the top floor of Our Lady’s Hospital is likely to later be deemed unsuitable.
Those opposed to the decision have vowed to oppose it.
