Nursing home risks closure ‘unless Government intervenes’
Health Minister James Reilly has been asked to receive a deputation from St Joseph’s Home in Killorglin, Co Kerry, whose reserves fund are in danger of running out, according to the home’s advisory board.
If the minister agrees to receive a deputation, it will be led by Brian McCarthy, founder and boss of the Fexco financial services company in Killorglin.
The voluntary home is run by the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy and serves a wide area in south and mid-Kerry.
Kerry Co Council has already supported a call on Dr Reilly to provide additional HSE funding and to request the National Treatment Purchase Fund to increase its contribution per bed to ensure the home’s viability.
Almost 50 people are employed in the home.
Independent councillor Michael Cahill, a member of the home’s advisory board, said significant savings needed to be found and meetings were taking place involving unions, management and staff.
“The situation is very serious and everything is on the table,” he said. “If the minister and the Government don’t come to the assistance of the home, it will close. This is a not-for-profit facility which provides excellent care. If it closes, the residents will be dispersed all around Kerry and 49 staff will lose their jobs,” he said.
Mr Cahill said the situation was growing more urgent by the day and the reserves fund would be exhausted inside two months.
Kerry Independent TD Tom Fleming intends to table a Dáil question on the issue.
