HSE-run nursing home to close in coming months

THE HSE is expected to close the 90-bed St Brigid’s Nursing Home in Crooksling in Dublin over the next three to six months.

It is believed that the HSE-run facility is to be shut down amid concerns it would not meet standards set by the Health Information and Quality Authority.

News of the closure was revealed by the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) yesterday.

It said 60 beds have already been closed there and that details of the closure were revealed by sources within the HSE late on Sunday night. To date there has been no discussion with unions and staff.

In a statement, the INMO said there are a significant number of patients and their families who will be devastated by the closure and that it will also have a major impact on Tallaght Hospital, which relies on St Brigid’s to take many patients who require long-term care.

There are over 60 patients in Tallaght who are medically discharged, but will now have no place to go.

Speaking yesterday morning, INMO Industrial Relations Officer Derek Reilly said the facility should be maintained to ensure it has “a viable future.”

“As there has been no discussion or information forthcoming on the closure, I am now seeking an urgent meeting with the HSE so that both patients and staff at St Brigid’s can learn what the plans are for the Home. St Brigid’s should be maintained and resources provided to ensure it has a viable future,” he said.

It is believed the HSE may transfer patients from St Brigid’s to a new facility in Inchicore in Dublin.

Sinn Féin health spokesperson Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin condemned the HSE decision saying it was part of a plan to privatise nursing home care.

“St Brigid’s is a large campus in extensive grounds and much public money has been spent on it. The decision to close is yet another example of a report from HIQA — which did not recommend closure — being used to justify the closure of a public facility,” he said.