Daly strongly opposes the impending closure of ward at St. Vincents, Athy

Cllr Richard Daly of Fine Gael has strongly criticised the proposed closure of a 26 bed ward for elderly patients at St. Vincents Hospital, Athy.

“I am strongly opposed to the diminution of the facilities offered to elderly patients at St. Vincent’s. The hospital has served the town and the county’s elderly population very well over the years and the reduction of service is to the most vulnerable sector of our community. How it could even be contemplated seems incredible.

Many patients come to St. Vincent’s following their release from Naas General hospital and St. Vincent’s assists their recuperation while they are not suitable to return to a domestic situation. In a caring society we should be prioritising and promoting such centres instead of cutting back on them.

I will be using every effort at County Council level to highlight this unfair situation and asking all to put pressure on the HSE to lift their embargo in the interests of continuing to provide a quality service to our elderly citizens. It is unacceptable that the weakest in our society are victims of government mismanagement of our finances over the years.”

Cllr Daly said that HSE proposals to develop quality primary cares centres and centres of excellence can not be at the price of neglecting our elderly patients. Health is a priority and this latest proposed cutback is shameful