I am deeply concerned about the impact of proposed cuts in Mayo Hospitals including Belmullet Hospital and Áras Deirbhle Nursing Home.
It is extremely contemptuous that, one week after an election we learn that, due to pressure on budgets, agency staff can no longer be engaged in Belmullet; and that all temporary contracts will not be renewed when they expire. The direct impact of this is that beds will be closed.
Belmullet Hospital and Áras Deirbhle Nursing home provide essential step-down beds, respite beds and longer stay beds. It is despicable that after 20 beds being cut by the last Fianna Fail Government, this Fine Gael Government now want to cut even more.
Once again people in Mayo and Erris are being asked to bear the brunt of the reckless overrun of the Children’s hospital and the continuous waste of money on unnecessary layers of expensive management structures. When what we need is solid and consistent investment in front line staff.
I want to commend the staff and management of Belmullet Hospital and Áras Deirbhle for their dedication to providing the highest standard of healthcare to patients and families.
I will be taking the matter up with the HSE and Minister Harris. It is completely unacceptable and is further compounded by restrictions on home help and homecare packages. Obviously, any cuts to beds will have a knock on effect on acute beds in Mayo University Hospital and UCHG which makes NO ECONOMIC SENSE whatsoever and will lead to more patients on trollies.
Speaking on Midwest Radio.
