Lowry Welcomes Return of Community Hospital Beds
Deputy Michael Lowry has welcomed confirmation that 10 beds are to be restored
to the Community Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles. The Independent T.D. for
Tipperary welcomed the publication of the Service Plan for the Mid West Region for
2013 which formally announced the return of these beds and stated that it verified
and upheld the announcement he had made earlier this year.
“I confirmed that it was the intention of the HSE West to include within its core
budget sufficient funds to re-open 10 beds in the Community Hospital of the
Assumption over a month ago. At that time some parties doubted this statement
and I am pleased that the Service Plan validates my announcement and proves it as
accurate and correct. The Service Plan details that an addition €500,000 per annum
is being made available to the Community Hospital and permission has been granted
to recruit an additional 11 staff.”
“The closure of these beds in November 2011 defied all reason and was a
devastating blow not only for patients awaiting beds but for the countless carer’s
across Tipperary who dedicate themselves to their loved ones every day. The
Community Hospital provides an invaluable support for such carer’s and families.
Tipperary’s short stay beds were disproportionally ravaged in 2011, despite the huge
demand for resources, and I am pleased that some steps have been taken to address
this imbalance. However I believe that a strong campaign must continue and all beds
must be returned to the valuable facility as a matter of urgency.”
“The return of these beds is a partial victory for the people of Thurles and is due
in no small part to the mammoth efforts made by the community to ensure that
pressure was maintained on the Government to reverse the ill-reasoned and unfair
closure of beds in this top class facility. I would like to commend all involved in this
campaign in particular the Action Committee, all Oireachtas members, and local
councillors who formed a united campaign and worked tirelessly for the Community
Hospital. The restoration of these beds is a direct result of this joint effort and a
tribute to the dedication and diligence of the management and staff of the hospital. I
will continue to work with the Action Committee and all staff in the battle to re-open
the remaining closed beds.”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Weather for Tipperary
Wednesday 22 May 2013
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 5 C to 13 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 4 C to 11 C
Wind Speed: 21 mph
Wind direction: North west
