It is time for truth and transparency around the future of Belmullet Hospital. For a number of weeks, we have been told two conflicting reports. Fine Gael Politicians are saying Belmullet Hospital will not be downgraded and the HSE are saying five out of the 20 surviving beds will be closed, contract staff will be redeployed and agency staff will be let go. Both cannot be correct.
I welcome the fact that Jim Daly TD, Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People, is coming to the Hospital today and hope that he will meet the Community Action Committee to clarify the situation. We need some straight talking and immediate and concrete action to reassure people that the twenty beds will remain open. We also need action to reopen the 20 beds closed under Fianna Fail and proper investment to fulfil the promises made in Sláinte Care Policy Document to deliver as many services as possible within communities.
We are asking people from Erris to gather on the route up to the hospital from 3.30pm to greet the Minister and demonstrate to him that there is a real need to protect and invest in our hospital. We strongly refute any attempts by the HSE and Fine Gael that the figures suggest 15 beds is sufficient. These figures are heavily manipulated by the fact that GPs and A & E are not allowed to refer patients.
Speaking with Teresa O’Malley on Midwest Radio.
