Fianna Fáil MEP Pat the Cope Gallagher has confirmed that 5 beds will reopen at Dungloe Hospital within a week.
A deputation consisting of Fr Matt Mc Inenary, Local Cllrs David Alcorn, Marie Therese Gallagher, Charlie Yank Boyle, Kathleen Brennan, Pat Glackin, Frank Campbell, Pat Nora Gllagher and Pat the Cope, selected after a public meeting in Dungloe, met with HSE management this week in a bid to get the beds reopened.
The Trade Unions IMPACT and SIPTU were represented at the meeting and also played an important role in securing this positive outcome.
Speaking afterwards Pat the Cope said, “The reduction of beds 35 to 25 was necessary to comply with staff patient ratio as laid down by HIQA. Following our meeting it has been agreed that additional staff will be put in place and 5 of the beds will be reopen shortly.
“Our priority was to have all 10 beds reopened. However this would require the Health Minister James Reilly to relax the embargo recruitment in the health services. I understand that a meeting will take place with the Minister in a bid to achieve this. I hope the Minister will realise the importance of full capacity at Dungloe particularly given the serious pressures on the health services in Donegal at this time.
