Tipperary TD Michael Lowry asked Taoiseach Simon Harris today to engage with the HSE regarding the use of the newly build Community Nursing Unit in Nenagh.
The HSE is rejecting a proposal from the trade unions representing health care staff in the region that the existing 23 residents in St Conlan’s Nursing home be moved into the new facility as soon as possible with the balance of the 50 ensuite rooms made available for use as step down sub acute rehab beds for patients fit for discharge from University Hospital Limerick. The HSE want to take the entire 50 bed unit for a period of 18 – 24 months to help reduce overcrowding in the Emergency Department at UHL.
The Taoiseach Simon Harris committed to ask the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly to engage with Deputy Lowry on the matter. Mr Harris recognised that were two issues at play – the chronic overcrowding in UHL and the needs of the older community in Nenagh and it’s hinterland.
There were 96 admitted patients on trolleys in UHL yesterday. Limerick Senator Maria Byrne and Mayoral Candidate John Moran have both called on the HSE to purchase Barrington’s Hospital in Limerick which is for sale for €12.5M as the owners Bon Secours Health Services are to move to a new building at Ballysimon road, Limerick next year.
