HSE deny cuts to day care services at Lisdarn Unit
Fianna Fáil Deputy for Cavan and Monaghan Niamh Smyth has called on the Minister for Health Simon Harris to better utilise the Lisdarn Unit for the Elderly in an effort to ease pressures at Cavan General Hospital, particularly as we approach the Christmas period.
Deputy Smyth commented, “I have asked Minister Harris to better utilise the Lisdarn Unit for the Elderly as a step down unit for care for people who need essential support in their recovery.
“This can help to provide more acute care beds in Cavan General. The staff at the Lisdarn Unit for the Elderly are providing a wonderful service in their “Long Term Care Facility” and people at present are crying out for this type of care due to a lack of nursing home beds. I feel there is more that can be done in this area to provide these essential beds.”
“Likewise Cavan General Hospital like all other hospitals in this country need their acute bed. This is a real opportunity to do this, particularly at peak times with the ED in Cavan and at Christmas. I know that investment is being made to improve standards at Lisdarn by the HSE following an inspection by HIQA.
Deputy Smyth has also made enquiries about day services at Lisdarn on behalf of constituent. “Despite concerns raised with me by members of the public in Cavan regarding cuts to Day Care Services at this facility. The HSE have told me following a Parliamentary Question submitted to the Minister Harris there have been no cuts or changes to the Day Care Services in the Lisdarn Unit for the Elderly in Cavan.”
“Numerous people have contacted me about this valuable service and have told me that certain services have been curtailed at the Lisdarn Unit for the Elderly. The HSE have confirmed to me that the service is no longer nurse led but that there is a nurse available if required at the Unit adjacent to it – their ‘Long Term Care Facility’. Yet, the Health Executive says services have not been cut.
Deputy Smyth concluded, “According the HSE this service is available five days per week and provides personal care, hair care, chiropody and general diversional and social activities. I have asked the Minister to commit to further investment in Lisdarn in an effort to further enhance existing services and to also alleviate pressures at peak times of the year for overcrowding at our hospital, Cavan General.”