The HSE has confirmed there are no plans to close Drogheda’s Cottage Hospital following growing concern over the future of its 14 nurse-led transitional care beds.
In a statement issued on Friday evening, the HSE confirmed that a review has commenced into the transitional care service at the hospital but stressed that all other services remain operational and that the Cottage Hospital will remain open.
The HSE said the review will examine whether the beds are aligned with the wider model of care for older people across the Louth Meath health region.
The announcement follows several days of political pressure, public concern and union engagement after reports emerged that the 14 step-down beds could be closed.
Senator Alison Comyn welcomed the confirmation, saying the prospect of losing the beds had caused significant concern among patients, families and the 30 staff attached to the service.
“The people of Drogheda fought to protect the Cottage Hospital before and were prepared to do so again,” she said, while cautioning that questions remain about the long-term future of the beds.
Deputy Paula Butterly also welcomed the confirmation following representations to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. She has called for an urgent meeting with HSE regional management to discuss the review and the future of the service.
Labour TD Ged Nash described the announcement as a “stay of execution” rather than a resolution.
In a statement issued after receiving confirmation from the HSE, Deputy Nash said the decision to keep the hospital open was a direct result of pressure from public representatives, staff and trade unions.
While welcoming the development, he said the campaign to protect the beds would continue and confirmed that a public demonstration will take place at the Cottage Hospital on Monday, June 22, at 1.30pm.
The 14 beds under review play a vital role in helping older patients recover before returning home while also easing pressure on acute services at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
For now, the immediate threat to the hospital has been lifted, but attention is now turning to the outcome of the HSE review and whether the future of the 14 transitional care beds can be secured.
