Donegal TD Charlie McConalogue has hit out at the HSE for failing to replace nursing staff at Buncrana Nursing Unit, leading to the closure of 5 beds there.
There are now fears that unless staff shotages at the facility are addressed, some of its day services may also be affected.
Deputy McConalogue says services are under huge pressure as a result of the shortages.
Meanwhile,The HSE is being urged to ensure that repair works on the health centre in Quigley’s Point are carried out as soon as possible. The centre was damaged in the flash flooding experienced across the Inishowen Peninsula last August.
Deputy Charlie Mc Conalogue says the damage caused to the health centre last summer has resulted in the cancellation of the satellite GP service. This, he says, is affecting local residents and and also putting increased pressure on GP services in Moville.
Deputy Mc Conalogue is also pressing the HSE to urgently address the staff shortages which have led to five bed closures at Buncrana Nursing Unit.
So far, he says, there’s no formal response:
HSE statement in full re Buncrana Community Nursing Unit:
Buncrana Community Nursing Unit normally accommodates 30 residents. It provides long term care & short term care including convalescent care, respite care, rehab and palliative care.
The nursing unit is currently accommodating up to 25 residents as the Unit is presently experiencing a number of vacant staffing positions. The HSE wish to confirm that the vacant posts are actively being recruited through the National Recruitment Service.
The HSE would like to apologise to families impacted by this temporary reduction in service.
Day Services at the hospital continue to function as normal accommodating up to 24 day care clients 5 days per week.
The HSE is committed to a full restoration of services as soon as possible which will be dependent on the success of the recruitment campaign.
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