We call on Simon Harris TD Minister of Health and Joe McHugh TD Minister for Education & Skills to Reverse the 26th Jan 2016 of the Government decision to replace the Community Nursing Unit (Long Stay, Dementia and Medical Assessment Beds) at St Joseph's Community Hospital in Stranorlar, Co. Donegal.
To not allow the Government and HSE to close hospital beds and or cutback services in St Josephs Hospital.
Why is this important?
This is because the Finn Valley has a growing elderly population and a reducing number of potential family carers. Also parts of the area have little access to public transport and are quite isolated i.e the border and gaeltacht areas. For over three years the People of the Finn Valley and wider Donegal area have been asking the question about what is the future of St Josephs Community Hospital in Stranorlar, Co. Donegal. The government and HSE representatives have never given a clear answer on the future of the Hospital and have even provided conflicting information. The people of the area have twice held well attended public demonstraions where they marched from the Hospital in Stranorlar to Jacksons Hotel in Ballybofey a distance of 2.6km. Many who marched were over 60 and feel abandoned by the way they are being treated.
We wish to know the answer of how many and what types of beds that are planned to be serviced at the hospital. What staffing levels will be retained in future at St Josephs in terms of Doctors, Nurses, Nursing Assistants, Administration and Ancillary staff. We want to know now what Capital Budget and other Budgets will be allocated and the plans that will be transformed into buildings i.e. refurbushements, extensions etc so as to meet HIQA standards.
How it will be delivered
To the HSE or / and Government when the Save Our St Joseph's Action Committee feel it is the best opportunity to.
