A community campaign to secure services at Fahan Health Centre has reached a positive outcome this week.
A meeting between the HSE and community representatives, Carmel Lynch and Jackie Molloy, resulted in assurances being given that a nurse will remain available at the centre.
Concerns arose in recent months after the HSE created a ‘realigned area’ of Fahan, Buncrana lower and Muff West due to low caseload numbers at the Fahan facility.
The Fahan active caseload currently consists of 20 clients. Whereas the HSE seeks the standard number of clients for a Public Health Nurse to be 40/50 in order to ensure that they maintain their skills across all competencies relating to general nursing care.
While the HSE maintained that there were no plans to remove the nursing service, as a result of the realignment, some patients were being advised that they would have to travel to Buncrana and Muff for services.
A meeting between concerned residents and the HSE on Monday was described as ‘hugely positive’ by campaigners.
Ms Lynch and Ms Molloy stated: “We are delighted to say the Fahan Health Centre will remain open and a nurse will be available in the Fahan Health Centre over the next few weeks.
“To those who helped us to get this result, especially Jack Murray and Padraig Mac Lochlainn, their commitment to our community is commendable. To the people of Inch island, Fahan and neighbouring townlands. Thank you for believing in us to bring the Fahan Health Centre back to its rightful place ! At the centre of our community.”
