HSE to close Abbeyleix hospital

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has announced that its to close the Abbeyleix Community Hospital in Co Laois.

The HSE said the decision was taken due to financial and staffing cutbacks.

The hospital's 28 long stay residents will be transferred to alternative accommodation in the surrounding area.

Management at the hospital are now consulting with the familes of patients on the matter.

Staff in the unit will be redeployed.