The Save Our Services, Lifford Ramelton Stranorlar, Community Hospitals, Action Group, have this week received written confirmation from Minister Leo Varadkar that the political decision to downgrade and close Lifford, Ramelton and St. Joseph’s Hospitals stands and that he refuses to meet with our group.
The Action Group have been proven right in their actions, when as a group we challenged local based Government representatives over the status of the 3 Hospitals over the last number of weeks.
The Action Group wish to state that what they have experienced since Minister Kathleen Lynch’s and this government decision on 26th January is nothing less than the greatest Political Con in the history of Donegal Politics.
The people of Donegal must now hold these politicians to account, the demise of these hospitals was clearly confirmed once again for us, in the words of Minister Leo Varadkar, T.D., ” the decision to downgrade these residential care units and long term beds”.
This is now Government policy certified by Government Ministers and our committee will work non-stop to have this decision reversed.
Minister Varadkar stated that “the decision to downgrade Residential care units and long term beds.
I have passed on for the attention of Minister of State, Ms Kathleen Lynch”.
He further advised the SOS Action Group to “Please accept her reply as Minister on these matter”.
The Action Group and our communities despite assurances from Government representatives to the contrary, are very let down, disappointed and betrayed by this government.
The campaign has been mislead, mis informed, hoodwinked and obstructed over the past three weeks.
What we as a people must do now- is to hold all politicians to account for their actions an deeds during our campaign.
Those who genuinely stood by and gave written assurances, we appreciate their goodwill and support.
Those who obstructed and mislead us, we publicly ask them to reverse their decision not to support us.
We as a community of people have stood united, shoulder to shoulder for the cause of community care and care of our ill, sick and elderly in the community.
Our cause is greater than any political self preservation- our cause is a moral one, one which is the cornerstone of any civilised society care of the vulnerable.
The Action Group will work with all parties, all politicians on the basis of respect, truthfulness and unity of resolve.
This campaign is not about hospital beds, services alone- this is about people, it is about people who require care, people who require nursing and support- it is a cause that encapsulates the epitome of the Christian beliefs of all of us.
In the care of our elderly and sick there are no grey areas- care in our communities is the right thing to do- and there is never a wrong time to do the right thing.
Minister Reverse your decision and give us back the future of our Community Hospitals.
Fr John Joe Duffy.
Chairperson, Save Our Sevices, Lifford Ramelton Stranorlar, Community
Hospitals, Action Group.
