The Health Service Executive says there’s no decision being taken to permanently close the Minors Injury Unit in Cashel.
That’s according to Independent TD Michael Lowry who got clarity on the situation after it emerged the facility was to shut its doors for good.
Deputy Lowry says the HSE is activity recruiting for a replacement doctor at present but until that role is filled, there will be a temporary closure.
The Tipperary TD says he has reminded the HSE that there’s a High Court order to maintain services in Cashel and this must be adhered too.
The Thurles based TD says an appointment of a GP must happen at the earliest date.
The news follows local frustration that the clinic was to close and many expressed concerns of the pressures the Tipperary University Hospital would be under.
The HSE have clarified that in relation to the Minor Injuries Unit in Cashel (located in the Our Lady’s Hospital building) the service is not shutting down – in the sense of services ceasing there permanently.
The HSE says the HSE/South East Community Healthcare office is actively working to resume Medical services on site.
The service will need to recruit a new doctor to resume services at the unit.
The unit supplies vital services for emergencies, a monitoring service for those with chronic illness, and alleviates the pressure on University Hospital Clonmel according to Deputy Lowry.
Councillor Declan Burgess who chairs the Southern Regional Health Forum says the temporary closure is concerning and he intends to engage with the decision makers within Government and the HSE until this critical service is fully restored.
The HSE have once again taken their eye off the ball with Cashel and allowed the Minor Injury Unit to fall short of the necessary staffing concluded Cllr Burgess.
