Cashel based TD Martin Browne is expressing concern about a lack of progress on a promised 60 bed community nursing unit at St Patrick’s Hospital, Cashel.
The HSE confirms that it appointed designers in 2019 but says the pandemic has stalled progress – the HSE response also describes the project as a 50 bed unit.
Deputy Browne is querying the change in numbers but also has other concerns.
In June 2020 some patients were moved from St Patricks to Our Lady’s Hospital across the street.
At present an assessment and rehabilitation unit, and a day hospital for Older Persons Services continue to operate at St. Patrick’s Hospital.
The Children’s Disability Network Team has been relocated to St Patrick’s and the HSE is considering using part of St Patricks for the HSE’s roll out of the Enhanced Community Care programme.
Deputy Brown is concerned that the HSE response references a project in Clonmel to deliver a new 50 bed unit at St Anthony’s by the end of 2024.
The HSE says this will provide an additional 32 long stay beds for South Tipperary.
Deputy Browne is to pursue the matter further with the HSE, with HIQA and with the Health Minister for clarity on the 60 bed unit for Cashel which now seems to have an uncertain future.
