The HSE and relatives of hospital patients have hit back at claims that beds are to close at a popular community hospital.
The claims were made in calls to local radio station Highland Radio last Friday.
However, the HSE said there was no truth to the claims.
Among the claims being made were that dementia care beds and long term beds are being closed down at St Joseph’s in Stranorlar.
In a statement, HSE said: “The Chief Officer for the HSE in the North West has confirmed that short and long stay beds, and dementia care beds, in St Joseph’s Community Hospital in Stranorlar, will be retained.
“This information was confirmed to the St Joseph’s Hospital Action Group at a meeting on 22nd June 2017 and the SOS group at a meeting on the 12th July 2017.”
Far from closing beds, said the HSE, they are planning a multi-million euro investment in Stranorlar Community Hospital to provide even better facilities for patients.
The statement went on: “The HSE is proposing a capital investment of €3.5 million to upgrade the hospital and provide for improved facilities for patients.
“The HSE confirms that there is no threat to services at the hospital.”
Meanwhile a relative of a patient at the hospital has called for the St Joseph’s Action Group to close.
“The claims made on radio last Friday caused huge anxiety in our family and we don’t know where the claims have come from considering the HSE has published its plans to upgrade the hospital and retain and enhance services,” said the relative.
“There is far too much party politics around this issue. People must think before they speak and ask themselves ‘is what I am saying causing distress to patients and their relatives?’ and if that is the case they need to stop.
“The Action Group does not represent me. It should stay silent or close.”
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