WHILE CAMPAIGNERS for Abbeyleix hospital were encouraged by a “very positive” visit from Minister for Health Dr James Reilly, questions remain over the facility’s future and that of another 40 nursing homes.
Dr Reilly spent about an hour speaking to staff, residents and campaigners during a tour of Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit on Saturday afternoon.
Last November the HSE announced plans to shut Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit and relocate 28 long-stay residents. The closure order was later quashed in the High Court to allow for consultation.
Fine Gael TD Charlie Flanagan said Dr Reilly was particularly pleased to see the care and commitment from staff and the wider community in Abbeyleix.
Senator John Whelan met Dr Reilly after his visit and said, “I’m now convinced that the Minister has an open mind that there is a future for Abbeyleix.”
However, Mr Whelan called for a national policy in relation to community nursing homes.
“The complex matter of elderly care cannot be dealt with on a piecemeal basis or unilateral and ill-judged closure of individual units on the basis of notional savings,” he said.