Maher calls for return of Birr respite care services

LOCAL election Candidate Sean Maher is calling on the HSE to restore respite services to Birr Community hospital.

Speaking to the Tribune the former Sinn Fein Cllr said “The HSE and the Government have let the people of Birr down over the last ten years with the imposition of valuable services such as Mi-Doc moving to Tullamore and more recently the shifting of vital respite care services, relocating to private nursing homes in Ferbane and Shinrone. The services provided by the staff of the community hospital in Birr are second to none and families of patients are worried about the negative impact it will have on the care of their loved ones.

“I have received communication from my colleague Brian Stanley regarding this matter in which he says The HSE will not be reversing their course of action at this time as they feel they have adequately provided for respite care in the Birr area”.

Asked for his opinion on what the future holds for respite care in Birr, Sean said “The Government’s recruitment embargo has forced the HSE to take measures on reducing expenditure in the delivery of respite care in Birr from HSE led staff to the private sector. I believe this current policy will not change during the lifetime of this FF/FG/ Green Government, I can only see things changing with a general election and a change of Government. A Sinn Fein led Government will implement its policy on care in the community that puts the needs of the patient first.” Sean added “if elected to represent the community of Birr on June 7^th I will be holding the HSE to account and will work diligently to restore the respite beds to Birr Community hospital”.