Cashel based Councillor Declan Burgess says a planning application for extra capacity at St Patrick’s hospital in Cashel should be submitted by the HSE as soon as possible and he wants Tipperary Government TDs to be more active in ensuring the project is delivered.
The Hospital provides residential, rehabilitation and respite care to older adults in the South Tipperary area.
The HSE National Capital Plan includes the new build for St. Patrick’s in Cashel consisting of a 60 bed unit which will include replacing the current St. Anne’s, St. Bernadette’s Ward and St. Benedict’s Ward.
The councillor says that despite assurances no planning application has been submitted by the HSE which was promised in 2019 and 2020.
The HSE says that other sites have a higher priority at present due to safety and infection control issues in their buildings.
Cashel TD Martin Browne is also critical of the HSE response and is concerned that the project may not be delivered as a project due to be completed in Clonmel next year will deliver 32 long stay residential beds for older people.
Deputy Browne is noting the use of “in the South Tipperary catchment area” in the HSE response rather than either town being named.
Cllr Burgess says he is deeply disappointed, upset and angered at the lack of progress, misrepresentation and lack of respect shown by the HSE as he tries to represent the people he is elected to serve.
