Unite concerned at reported closure of Dungarvan unit

Unite, which represents care workers in St Joseph’s Hospital in Dungarvan, today  expressed concern at reports that the HSE intends closing one of the units in the hospital.  Speaking ahead of a meeting tomorrow with the HSE, Unite Regional Officer Tony Kelly said that the hospital provides vital services to families in Dungarvan and throughout the South-East, and that workers, patients and their families had been given no advance notice of the closure which is reportedly due to take place this week.

“St Joseph’s Hospital provides a range of integrated services, including geriatric, respite and convalescent care at the Dungarvan Community Hospital facility.

“Reports that the HSE intends closing a unit this week have raised serious concerns regarding the HSE’s commitment to the future of St Joseph’s Hospital.

“At our meeting tomorrow, Unite will be seeking assurances from the HSE regarding its commitment to the future of St Joseph’s Hospital and all the services provided there – services which are vital to the community.  In particular, we will be seeking assurances that any unit closed due to short-term staffing issues – which I understand is the reason being given for the closure of the Sacred Heart unit – will be re-opened as soon as those issues have been addressed”, Mr Kelly said.