FIANNA Fáil TD for
Donegal Charlie McConalogue has hit out at the HSE
for failing to replace nursing staff at Buncrana
Nursing Unit, leading to the closure of five beds at
the facility since mid-December.
Deputy McConalogue is warning that services are
under severe pressure as a result of the staff
shortages.
“The first week of the New Year is traditionally one
of the busiest for our health service and serious
questions need to be answered as to why staffing
levels at the Buncrana Nursing Unit were allowed to
fall so dramatically. It makes absolutely no sense
to have five beds at the facility closed at any time
but it is particularly the case at a time of peak
demand, yet this is exactly what has happened”, said
Deputy McConalogue.
“The HSE has failed to provide the necessary
replacement staff in a timely manner, and this has
resulted in a number of bed closures at the unit.
It’s now feared that unless these staff shortages
are addressed some of the day services may also be
affected. This is completely unacceptable.
“The current situation is putting severe pressure on
an already overburdened system in Donegal. Patients
who would normally be transferred from Letterkenny
University Hospital to Buncrana are having to remain
in the acute hospital because of the bed closures in
Buncrana.
“The provision of replacement staff must be made a
priority. These beds are essential, not only for the
Buncrana unit itself, but also to relieve the
overcrowding situation in Letterkenny.
“I will be working along with my colleague Cllr.
Rena Donaghey to demand additional staff for Buncrana Nursing Unit as a matter of urgency”. |
