It has been confirmed that all wards at St Joseph’s Hospital in Stranorlar will be open once again in the coming weeks.
Several of the community hospital’s wards were forcibly closed last August, following an inspection from HIQA (the Health Information and Quality Authority).
That inspection found five major non-compliances at St Joseph’s, including issues with governance and management, the quality and safety of the premises and insufficient fire precautions.
Issues with managing challenging behaviour on the wards, and several breaches of the rights of residents at the hospital were also found by HIQA inspectors during the unannounced visit, which resulted in St Joseph’s being shut until vital safety works could be carried out and serious reviews of care practices at the facility were undertaken.
Works have been underway for the last nine months since the closure, and now it has been confirmed that the hospital will be fully reopened for respite services in the coming weeks.
Local Councillor Dakota Nic Mheanman confirmed the news, following enquiries from herself and her party colleague, Deputy Pearse Doherty.
The HSE confirmed to them that works are expected to be finished at the hospital by mid May – and that following a subsequent inspection of the works by HIQA, the full 63-bed capacity of the facility will be restored.
“As we know wards in St Joseph’s had been closed due to HIQA and fire safety upgrades. It’s (now) expected that all upgrades will be finished mid-May,” Cllr Nic Mheanman confirmed.
“We also queried (regarding) the number of beds, it’s great to have it confirmed that 63 beds will be operational.”
“Although we would like it to be back up in 70s that it was a few years ago, it’s reassuring that they will have the full 63 in use as we so badly need respite and other services.”
