Claims community hospital faces closure over Fair Deal scheme

A COMMUNITY hospital which provides long-term care to more than 30 elderly people is facing closure under new Government funding arrangements for nursing homes.

Supporters of Cobh Community Hospital in Co Cork expressed fears last night that its funding could be slashed today by €780,000 a year as part of the Fair Deal scheme, making it unviable.

Closure would result in the loss of some 40 nursing and care assistant jobs and would force over 30 elderly residents – including one individual who has lived at the hospital for quarter of a century – to find other accommodation.