Worse than locals feared – HSE to close 10 beds at Dungloe District Hospital

 

Yesterday local Cllr Marie Terese Gallagher said she had received numerous calls from staff and patients’ families over rumours up to 7 beds were to close – today the HSE confirms it will be ten.
In a statement to Highland Radio News the HSE says that in the last 4-6 weeks, the unit has experienced an increase in long term sick leave, staff retirements and planned maternity leave.
It adds that the moratorium on recruitment in the public service has restricted the HSE’s ability to replace these staff, however discussions with senior management at a regional level to review options are ongoing.
In the statement the HSE says that in order to maintain a safe level of care to our patients the it has decided to temporarily reduce the number of beds by 10 Short Stay.