Decision to use Tipperary nursing home as UHL step-down facility branded as 'disgraceful'

HSE said move to use St Conlon's in Nenagh was an interim plan linked to 'significant pressures' at UHL

Labour TD Alan Kelly: 'It cost in excess of €23m of taxpayers money to build this new nursing home and now they are going to throw away money on a private "for profit" company by outsourcing HSE jobs.' File picture Dan Linehan

A new multi-million euro HSE nursing home in Tipperary will be run by a private provider as a step-down facility for University Hospital Limerick instead of for elderly residents, the HSE has confirmed.

Local Labour TD Alan Kelly condemned the decision as “absolutely disgraceful” while the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said it was “extremely disappointing”. The move has also been criticised by advocates in the Midwest Hospital Campaign.