HSE bed closures ‘caused by stealth cutbacks’

THE Health Service Executive (HSE) was yesterday accused of making stealth cutbacks with the closure of beds at a community hospital in west Cork.

The decision, it was claimed, affects “the most frail and vulnerable”.

The claims were made by a Fine Gael TD and a senior consultant that a total of 18 geriatric beds have been closed at Mount Carmel Community Hospital in Clonakilty.

They also claim that HSE management had confirmed last month that therewere no plans to re-use the beds.

It was reported there are eight beds closed in a long-stay unit, two in the long-stay dementia section and a further eight in the community support unit.

In response to inquiries by the Irish Examiner, the HSE confirmed that an eight-bed ward was closed for refurbishment and that hospital management was reviewing the service it will provide there, once the refurbishment was completed.

The HSE made no other specific mention of the number of other bed closures in the hospital but went on to say that it was constructing an extension at Dunmanway Community Hospital which would be used to increase bed capacity for older people there from 23 to 45.

Deputy Jim O’Keeffe claimed that there had been no official announcement about bed closures and said it was a “stealth tactic” by the HSE.

“These steps have been taken without any announcement and indeed it has been difficult to ascertain full facts, and in particular the reasons why these beds are not now in commission,” said Mr O’Keeffe.

He said such closures flew in the face of policy stated by Health Minister Mary Harney, the government and the HSE that additional resources were to be invested in primary and community care facilities as a more economic alternative and better for improving patient care.

“It is now clear that even existing local facilities like the Clonakilty hospital have been left short of resources to fully utilise even the accommodation they already have,” said Mr O’Keeffe.

When contacted by the Irish Examiner, consultant geriatrician Dr Brian Carey said he had only recently been informed of the closure of at least 18 beds at the Clonakilty hospital.

Dr Carey confirmed that HSE management had stated in a letter, written last month, there are no plans to re-open any of these beds.

“These bed closures affect the most frail and vulnerable older members of society in west Cork, who are unable to speak for themselves. Unfortunate patients who need to gain access to the wonderful services provided by matron and her staff at the hospital now face unacceptable waiting times as a result,” the consultant said.

He claimed the closures occurred without any consultation with main stakeholders and against stated HSE policy to close beds in Clonakilty only when additional beds have been opened in the community hospitals elsewhere in west Cork.

“In addition, the actions serve to undermine the trojan work carried out by matron and the medical officers that has led to huge improvements in the infrastructure and services at Clonakilty Community Hospital in the last few years,” said Dr Carey.