HSE blames cuts for closure of Laois home

A CUT in Health Service Executive funding is among the reasons cited for the closure of a public nursing home in Co Laois.

The 28 residents of Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit, run by the HSE, will be transferred to alternative accommodation on a phased basis, the executive said yesterday.

It said the capacity to deliver a safe service was “not possible in view of the reducing financial allocations” across the HSE.

The continued reduction in staff numbers, in line with public service cuts, was another reason for the closure. Staff working at the unit will be redeployed, the HSE said.

Difficulty meeting standards for the health service watchdog, the Health Information and Quality Authority, was also cited as a factor, the executive said.

The HSE yesterday began consultations with residents and their families about alternative accommodation.

“It should be stressed that no service users will be placed in a more costly financial position in terms of their care,” the HSE said.

The closure was described as unnecessary by Fianna Fáil TD for Laois Offaly Seán Fleming, who called for an immediate reversal of the decision.

He described the move as “deeply flawed”. While the executive gave financial reasons for the closure, staff would be redeployed. and so there would be “no staff savings”, he pointed out.

It was “most distressing” for the older long-stay patients “who regard this community hospital as their home”, he said.

“They are being evicted from their home without any regard to their rights or wishes,” he added.

Daycare services for 90 clients will continue while respite services will also continue but may be transferred to a private provider, the HSE said.