Hospitals on alert for overcrowding as nursing unit is forced to shut down

HOSPITALS in the midlands have been told to brace themselves for yet more overcrowding after a major HSE nursing unit for elderly people was forced to close due to funding and staff cutbacks.

A HSE spokesperson has confirmed that the 50-bed Abbeyleix community nursing unit in Co Laois will be shut over the coming weeks because the issues mean it can no longer guarantee “a safe service”.

“The decision to close the unit was taken on the basis that the capacity to continue to deliver a safe service is not possible in view of the reducing financial allocation across all HSE services, continued reductions in staff numbers and the difficulty in meeting HIQA standards,” the spokeswoman said.

She said that 28 long-stay residents currently living at the nursing unit will be transferred to alternative accommodation nearby, and day care services for 90 other residents will continue.

Respite services for eight more elderly residents will be transferred “to a private provider” in the coming weeks, the official added.

The move, which the HSE has said is necessary due to growing financial and staff level problems, has been heavily criticised by Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) official Lorraine Monaghan, whose members were told of the decision at 5pm yesterday.

“The HSE has put the decision down to money and staff. The impact of the moratorium has hit staff, they are not being replaced and rather than rectify the situation, they have chosen to close,” she explained.

Unions have claimed the closure of the facility, which cares for the over-65s, will impact heavily on acute services in the midlands.

They have argued that hospitals in Portlaoise, Mullingar and Tullamore will face further pressure with discharge delays due to the Abbeyleix closure.

For the past 12 months the Abbeyleix facility has had no new admissions and beds have been closed as patients were discharged.

Union leaders have sought a meeting with management by tomorrow.