Cottage Hospital concerns can’t be ignored - Louth TD
Deputy Byrne is calling on the HSE to heed local voices
Sinn Féin TD for Louth and East Meath Joanna Byrne have warned that Cottage Hospital concerns can’t be ignored. Deputy Byrne is calling on the HSE to heed local voices, and for the Government to provide the necessary resources for vulnerable elderly citizens to get the care they need, when and where they need it.
Deputy Byrne stated:
“The news first came to my attention early on Tuesday 16th from a distressed long term staff member, who had just left a meeting where they were told that in patient care would be closed in two weeks’ time.
“Messages and calls keep coming in with the same concerns; There’s no plan for us; There’s no discussion it’s just closing; We have no idea where we will be going. I spoke with hospital management and put these concerns to them the same day.
“Initial reassurances were given, that no jobs would be lost, that staff were being consulted, that unions would be engaged with , and that Tuesday was day one of these consultations. However, many other concerns have since arisen.
“ While I understand that talks are ongoing , and this is welcome, I have requested written confirmation from the HSE on a number of key concerns and questions that must be answered.
“The people of Drogheda hold the Cottage hospital close to their hearts ; they literally marched on the streets in 2012 in protest of a planned closure. Sinn Féin supported, this campaign, we marched with the people, and we signed the pledge to save this service . While other politicians refused to sign the pledge to save the service at the time - it’ s now heartening to see strong support from other Louth Oireachtas members on this issue.
“At the heart of all of this - we have vulnerable constituents needing care, dedicated healthcare staff who need certainty and local people who need guarantees that we will not lose local health services.
“There is a real sense of anger now bubbling again locally – which urgently needs to be addressed.
“I will be pursuing this matter directly with the Minister for Health in the Dáil. I’ll continue to work closely with staff members who are in contact with me , and will keep engaging with the Hospital management, HSE and unions in the time ahead “