Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan Niamh Smyth says she’s seriously concerned about the future of respite services at Lisdarn Unit for the Elderly following confirmation from the HSE that respite beds are to be outsourced over the coming weeks.
Deputy Niamh Smyth said, “The HSE has told me that that almost a dozen respite beds are to be moved from the Lisdarn Unit. They have said that an additional €72,000 has been allocated for the outsourcing of 10 respite beds for a six week period initially”.
“HSE management claim they made the decision in order to alleviate bed occupancy pressures at Cavan General Hospital. I understand there will be 14 step-down beds made available at the Unit, but I am concerned that we may lose respite beds as a result.
“While I welcome the opening of 30 additional beds at the Virginia Health Care Centre, which are due to come on stream in January, I am concerned that they may be rolled out at a cost to services in Lisdarn, and any transfer of beds could leave families in a position where they cannot visit their loved ones as often as they would like because of the distances involved.
“As far as I know there has been no consultation with these families. We’ve seen too often when services are taking away, they are rarely given back. The enhancement of step down facilities at this unit welcome but I would appeal to the HSE to review this decision and to allocate more money, hire staff and continue to offer respite care in Lisdarn.”