The Save Our Services, Ramelton Lifford Stranorlar, Community Hospitals, Action Group, met in emergency session on two separate occasions during the weekend – and have conveyed their anger regarding a statement made by Joe McHugh last week.
The Action Group are annoyed and extremely disappointed at the recent statement issued through Minster Joe Mc Hugh’s office regarding the hospitals.
Spokesman for the Action Group, Father John Joe Duffy told Donegal Daily, The statement “is a complete empty formula and an insult to the intelligence of the people who we represent”.
“The announcement lacked substance and it is an attempt to mislead the general public on what is both a very serious matter and one which is so critical to so many families throughout this county.
“We on the committee have unanimously decided – to publically question the content and motives of issuing such a statement and ask again that the political decision made by Minister Lynch and her office on the 26th of January be immediately reversed.”
In light of recent political shenanigans, the Action Group again wish
to state their requests for the three community hospital.
1- That the political decision made by Minister of State Kathleen Lynch and the present Government be immediately reversed and that the new decision be publically announced from that Department of Health alone and not through an intermediary.
2- That this current Government publically commit to a capital funding plan for all three hospitals, in order to bring them up to current HIQA standards, underpinning the long term bed capacity/Residential Care Units and allied services in all three hospitals- namely Lifford Community Hospital, Ramelton Community Hospital and St. Joseph’s Community Hospital, Stranorlar, and that this capital plan be publically endorsed by the Leader of the Government, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny T.D.
3- The Residential Care Unit/long term bed capacity of all three hospitals is both endorsed by Minister Kathleen Lynch’s office (Dept of Health) and Roinn An Taoisigh as government policy for all three hospitals in Donegal – this to be issued in writing and be made known publically.
Fr. Duffy added, “The Action Group have doubled their resolve to fight this campaign to a successful conclusion in light of recent public announcements.
“Equally the huge ground swell of support our campaign is experiencing from all citizens of this county makes us more determined to achieve our objectives.
“The committee will neither be hood winked or politically bullied into submission or
silence by anyone, this campaign will continue until justice is delivered for the people and communities that depend on these hospitals for the care of their family members.
“The Action Group state that – “ these hospitals – which for generations have cared for the most vulnerable, sick, ill and most dependent citizens of the state for care in our
society, these units have never failed in their duty of care for care and dignity, which are the corner stones of all three hospitals”.
“We are proud of the care given through our Community Hospitals and hold up this as an example of best practice for the care and well being of our elderly to the rest of Ireland.
“No Government has the moral right or authority to destroy and undo the services which entire communities depend on, nor has any government the right to rule against the will of the people, the people and communities of Ramelton, Lifford and St Joseph’s Hospitals Stranorlar have spoken in their thousands, they have taken to the streets in their thousands, and in their thousands they will stand shoulder to shoulder until this political travesty is undone.
“No Government, politician or administrative authority should go unchallenged, when we the people see this attack on rural Donegal as anything but wrong.
East and North Donegal health services are being eroded and we as a committee and
society will not stand by quietly and watch this demise.
The Committee has decided on the following action plan for the weeks ahead;
1. A petition will be circulated in the hospital catchments area for Lifford, Ramelton and St Joseph’s Stranorlar. We ask the members of the public for their continued support in signing the petition.
2. Posters have and will be erected highlighting the hospitals campaign and
save our services.
We are asking voters in the forthcoming General Election to remember that “their vote can be used to either save the services or guarantee the closure of these facilities for our
community; all politicians have been given a fair and equal opportunity to show their support and Solidarity for our campaign in public.
Those who have given written assurances, those who have marched with us and those who have failed must be judged on the merits of their actions.
3. The Action Group commits to meeting again this week and assures the public that all information will be shared upon receipt of same by the action group, “we serve no master other than the public good and the welfare of the most vulnerable in society within our regions.
Let us stand together in the days ahead for the future generations so that they too can be
cared amongst us like the generation before us”.
