More health cutbacks planned in Co Kildare

The South Western Area Health Board has confirmed plans to introduce further cutbacks in respite care at St Vincent’s Hospital in Athy, Co Kildare.

The board said the cutbacks would affect the St Joseph’s unit at the hospital.

It said beds would be made available in the main hospital on a case-by-case basis as a short-term measure to alleviate the effects of the cutbacks.

The South Western Area Health Board said it hoped to re-establish a full respite service once resources became available.