LESS THAN three months after the doors opened on the new respite unit ‘An Tearmann’, in St. John’s Community Hosiptal, there are widespread and very real fears that it may close due to staffing issues.
While the HSE has moved to allay these concerns with a spokesperson saying that they were not aware of any plans to close the centre and that critical frontline posts could be replaced, the fear has already spread amongst the local community.
It is understood that two staff members are due to retire and the unit would reach critical point early next year. As it stands, if these staff members are not replaced, the unit would be forced to close as it would not comply with safety guidelines put in place by the Department of Health or E.U. Regulations.
Cllr. John O’Rourke contacted The Echo to voice his concerns after the matter was raised by a number of people at his recent councillor’s clinic.
Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe told The Echo that he was aware of the situation and believed that the issue was indeed over staffing of the unit, which has not even had an official opening yet.
“I have spoken to Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State for Primary Care, Mental Health and Disability, and I will be doing all I can to ensure that the unit remains open and the service continues.”
[Full story in this week’s Echo]