HSE's late change to nursing home plans angers families

The nursing home on the grounds of Nenagh General Hospital. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

A late decision to take a newly built nursing home away from elderly residents who were preparing to move in was signed off by the regional executive officer for the HSE Midwest. 

The nursing home in Nenagh, Co Tipperary, was in the process of being equipped by staff, and residents of an older antiquated building, the nearby St Conlon's nursing home, were preparing to transfer to the new premises.

However, the new regional executive officer for the HSE Midwest, Sandra Broderick, has decided to use the new nursing home as a step-down facility for patients at the overcrowded University Hospital Limerick (UHL).

The nature of the decision has angered families of the nursing home residents, who were shocked to learn of the late change of plans for the multi-million euro unit.

A HSE Midwest spokesman said: “A decision has been made by the regional executive officer in HSE Mid West to utilise the new building for a period of about one year as a stepdown sub-acute facility, which will be run by a private provider with expertise in such services.” 

He said this is linked to “significant pressures” at UHL.

Families and patient advocates told the Irish Examiner of their fears for relatives who had been ready to transfer from the older nursing home. Staff had already moved equipment from the older home to the new site.

Regulator Hiqa previously placed admissions restrictions on St Conlon’s, linked to the “dated” infrastructure with fears growing of a potential closure.

The HSE spokesman moved to dampen these worries, saying: “St Conlon’s is registered with Hiqa and will continue to provide long-stay, respite, and palliative care services at its current location for the interim period.” 

It is understood trade unions will meet with the HSE on Tuesday to discuss the issue further.

Independent TD Michael Lowry and Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill welcomed the measure, saying it will help address overcrowding at UHL. However, Labour TD Alan Kelly has condemned it as "a disgrace" and called for the plans to be re-assessed, saying he is being contacted daily by worried families.

These concerns are shared by the Midwest Hospital Campaign, with local spokesman Conor Reidy saying older people have been abandoned.

The campaign group is planning a convoy protest on April 13 to mark 15 years since the closure of smaller emergency departments in the region, blaming this for the trolley crisis at UHL.