Local TD Martin Browne Calls Meeting About St Patrick’s Hospital As New Concerns Are Revealed

A meeting about the future of St Patrick’s hospital in Cashel has revealed new concerns about the future of the complex.  Local TD Martin Browne called the meeting as the HSE revealed recently that the proposed site for a 60 bed long term residential unit at St Patrick’s is now deemed unsuitable by the HSE.

The responsible Minister Mary Butler says a suitable site will be found in Cashel for the Community Nursing Unit(CNU) which was to be submitted for planning in 2019.   Those attending expressed concerns that the number of beds in Cashel are at risk the longer the delay continues.

In 2020 patients were moved from St Patricks to Our Lady’s Hospital building as it offered improved facilities for infection control, a key issue during the pandemic. Some of the vacated space has since been allocated to the Children’s Disability Network Team and more of the space is to be used for enhanced community health service in the future  

The Meeting called on all Tipperary Public Representatives to work together to protect health services in Cashel and to seek clarity from the HSE as to the future of St Patrick’s and the CNU.

Two TDs and two local councillors attended – Deputy Martin Browne, Deputy Mattie McGrath in addition to Cllr Roger Kennedy and Cllr Richie Molloy.

The HSE has submitted a planning application for the demolition of the gate lodge at St Patrick’s – Tipperary County Council is to give a decision on this by May 17^th.  Details have also emerged in respect of the church on the grounds of St. Patrick’s, the meeting heard that the building is to be modified and adapted for use as a training centre.