michael lowry

Lowry welcomes winter initiatives at Clonmel hospital.

Deputy Lowry stated he spoke on Friday with the Minister for Health, Simon Harris and during discussions he again restated the merits of Modular Unit Accommodation for South Tipperary General Hospital. The Minister reminded me that this is the first time that a HSE officialised document has formally referenced and included a Patient Hotel for Clonmel.    He stated the initiative was still in the progression stage and the Health Service Executive (HSE) were committed to progressing the unit in parallel with the upcoming ‘Winter Initiative’.

It was originally intended to fast track this project but it is now accepted that because of the nature and scale of this modular unit planning will have to be sought and the unit subject to national procurement policy. Taking account of the preparation and planning application and the statutory times involved in the planning process we are talking in terms of 12-14 weeks. The Minister has informed me that he was concerned in that context, that we are going to miss the ‘winter bulge’ activity in the hospital.”

Deputy Lowry emphasised his thorough commitment to swift progress on the matter, highlighting that the delivery of this Modular Unit will require further intense effort, commitment and the dovetailing of a number of processes including procurement, planning, building and staffing.

 

In the meantime Deputy Lowry welcomed the funding of specific measures in the Winter Initiative Programme such as the decision to create a fully serviced trolley bay, which will be patient friendly and allow for the dignity and respect of patients.

 

He also welcomed the sanction of a full community intervention team. This model was established in other counties last year and is shown to have worked very effectively. It will comprise of a team of five senior experienced nurses working in co-operation with local doctors. It will be based in Our Lady’s Hospital Cashel and the team will be tasked with providing professional assistance to elderly patients in their own homes or Nursing Homes. Doctors will prescribe the likes of antibiotics with nurses as administrators. The aim firstly, is to avoid unnecessary admissions to the hospital, and secondly, to allow people to be discharged quickly under the supervision of these nurses and local GPs.  Such admission avoidance will support measures to get people out of hospital acute beds, while allowing them to recuperate with solid support.

 

Also to be welcomed is the increase in funding for Home Care Packages.  This is an essential support for the elderly wishing to remain in their own home.

 

The extent and magnitude of the problems at Clonmel is having a crippling impact on staff morale and eroding public confidence in the service.   There is no instant solution to a problem which has grown steadily over the past 10 years, but a combination of initiatives will make a difference.  It is a positive step forward.  A step in the right direction.  Obviously much more needs to be done.  Deputy Lowry stated he will continue to play his part on delivering additional accommodation and facilities at the Hospital.


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