COUNCILLOR VIEW AT ODDS WITH HSE STANCE ON WELFARE HOME
Councillor Noel McCarthy’s claim this week that St Francis’ Welfare Home in Fermoy has received a stay of execution from the Health Service Executive and will now remain open for the foreseeable future appears to be at odds with an official statement received by The Avondhu from the health executive.
The welfare home, which currently has 22 patients, was reportedly earmarked for closure by the HSE.
However, the executive recently confirmed to The Avondhu that no decision has been taken in relation to the future of the facility.
ON HOLD
Now, according to Cllr Noel McCarthy (Lab) the HSE has made a decision and he told The Avondhu that he was happy to hear that the welfare home would stay open for the immediate future.
“I have received confirmation from the HSE that they have officially put any moves to close the welfare home on hold. I welcome this but I am calling on the HSE to open up admissions to St Francis Welfare Home and to fill the 40 beds, thus ensuring the future of the welfare home,” Cllr McCarthy said.
Original statement stands While the unit has the capacity for 40 residents, 10 of those currently at the welfare home will soon be moved back to St Patrick’s Hospital following its recent refurbishment.
The Avondhu requested official confirmation from the HSE and received the following statement: “The original statement (below) still stands. There has been no decision made in relation to the future of St Francis’ Home, Fermoy.
"The HSE is working to complete the refurbishment of Fermoy Community Hospital and 10 patients will be returning from St Francis Home to the community hospital by the end of July 2011.
"A number of options about the future provision of residential care in the Fermoy area are being examined and the HSE can confirm that no decision has been taken in relation to St. Francis Home’.
Published:
Thursday 30th June 7:31pm
