Downgrade of day care service ‘targets elderly’, say doctors

Family doctors in Co Leitrim have accused the HSE of targeting defenceless elderly people following a decision to downgrade day care services at a local community hospital in Carrick-on-Shannon.

They are now seeking a meeting with Minister for Health Leo Varadkar to ensure funding is allocated for a new community hospital in Carrick which would replace St Patrick's Hospital, a former famine workhouse.

An estimated 400 people attended a public meeting last week to oppose the downgrading of day care services which GPs say will affect “some of the most vulnerable defenceless groups of people”.

Dr Kieran Greene, one of five GPs attached to the Carrick Medical Centre which looks after more than 80 residents at St Patrick's, said there were fears that the removal of a nurse-led day service could have implications for the future of the hospital.

St Patrick’s was subject to a damning Hiqa report during the summer but locals blamed staff shortages and structural problems. Campaigners say more than 50 elderly people are affected by the decision to downgrade the day care service from five to three days, and from a nurse-led service to a “social care” centre run by healthcare assistants.

The HSE said older people were being supported and would be transferred to their local social care centres "to improve the experience".The HSE said it has prioritised the development of a new community hospital on a site in Carrick-on-Shannon and is awaiting approval from the Department of Health.