A well-known priest has said if he was to welcome this statement from both the HSE and the Minister of State for the Gaeltacht, he would be doing a dis-service to the cause of Save Our Services at Lifford, Ramelton and St. Joseph’s Stranorlar, Community Hospitals.
Fr John Joe Duffy, of Stranorlar, has been a leading voice in a campaign to save the three hospitals form threatened closure.
A statement yesterday from Minister Joe McHugh and the HSE appeared to reassure concerned residents that the future of the hospitals are safe.
But not everyone has welcomed the statements.
Fr Duffy said “It would be untruthful of me to welcome this because there is nothing new, nothing concrete and there is nothing guaranteed in this statement. It is just complete political shenanigans.
“In fact it confirms for Lifford the termination of long term residential care. It does nothing to allay the fears for St. Joseph’s Hospital, Stranorlar. And I seriously doubt that on a long term basis it guarantees any future for Ramelton Community Hospital.
“I am disappointed that an opportunity was lost to allay the fears and anxieties of so many people in the broader community, to allay the fears of the decision announced on Jan., 26th by Minister of State Kathleen Lynch.”
He then outlined the aims of his group.
“What we seek is very simple and does not require a long winded statement. It is as follows.
1. A complete reversal of Minister Kathleen Lynch’s decision regarding the removal of the Residential Care Units at our 3 Hospitals.
2. An assurance that long-term stay capacity/ Residential Care Units remain in all 3 Hospitals and the future for them is secured.
3. A Capital plan is put in place for all 3 Hospitals to bring them to HIQA standards. This plan be implemented between 2016-2018.”
The group’s committee is holding an emergency meeting this evening.
