A Finn Valley councillor says he wants answers from the HSE as to why people who traditionally received respite care at St Joseph’s Hospital in Stranorlar are now being referred to private nursing homes, while patients discharged from Letterkenny University Hospital are being sent to St Josephs for step down care.
Cllr Patrick McGowan says he can’t get answers because of a Forsa embargo, but he wants the situation addressed. The HSE told Highland Radio last week it must organise services in the best interests of patients.
On today’s Nine til Noon Show, Cllr McGowan said this is an issue that is deeply affecting people in the Finn Valley:
HSE Response:
All efforts are being made by the Older Persons Service to support Older People availing of Respite in Donegal. At the same time, the Service must also offer post-acute hospital care to those older people who need a continued level of support. In order to facilitate the demand for both respite and post-acute care, some respite services are now provided in Private Nursing Homes within the area, all of which are Registered facilities with HIQA and have the ability to provide the required care level. This will be kept under review on an ongoing basis.
