The HSE is to close the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda and a top level meeting is to be held with staff tomorrow.
They gave the confirmation to local Labour TD Gery Nash in response to widespread local speculation about the proposal.
Its local Regional Head of Communications June Molloy and seen by Drogheda Life informed him via an email.
She said the matter “had been reviewed” and the decision to reallocate resources from the Cottage Hospital will allow an enhanced model of care for patients.
But Deputy Nash expressed anger and frustration at the move and branded it a ” bombshell decison”.
He fumed:”I did not spend 2011 and 2012 successfully fighting to keep the Cottage Hospital open for the care of older people and when the country was bankrupt, only to see Fine Gael and Fianna Fail health service recruitment policies lead to the gutting of the hospital at a time when the country has never been richer.
“The solution to staffing beds in the Lourdes is not to close Drogheda’s only suite of step-down beds in the public system, outsourcing more work that should be done by the public system to the expensive private nursing home sector.
“Arguments from the HSE that there may be a net gain of beds in Louth and Meath by the end of the year are all well and good, but the staffing of those beds, based on this government’s track record is far from guaranteed. This does not change the fact that Ireland’s largest town will be left with no transitional care beds. This is a fact.”
Drogheda Fianna Fail Senator Alison Comyn said she is genuinely shocked by reports of the closure proposal and she is seeking clarification on the issue from the HSE and the Dept of Health.
She vowed to do everything she can to keep the 14 step down beds at the Cottage open.
Senator Comyn said:”This is a vital service that has cared for elderly and vulnerable patients for many years, helping people to recover closer to home, supporting families and freeing up much-needed beds in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital.
“The thought of patients from Drogheda being forced to travel to Dundalk or even further afield to access this care is simply unthinkable.
“My thoughts are also with the 30 loyal members of staff who learned of this proposal via a text message and now face and uncertain future.”
She raised the issue in the Seanad this morning and has contacted HSE management directly to seek clarity and requested them to reconsider the proposal.
She added:” This is nnot the first time th future of the Cottage Hospital has come under threat. I marched alongside concerned members of the community and politicians from across the politcal spectrum when closure was proposed in 2012.
“While long term beds were removed in 201, the Cottage Hospital continues to provide an essential service for patients and families across Drogheda and the surrounding areas. We cannot allow another eroision of healthcare services in the town.
“I will be doing everything in my power to stop this proposal and will keep the public updatd as more information becomes available.”
The HSE claimed the future model will improve patient outcomes and allow for rehabiliation and re-enablement services particularly for the older population.
Ms Molley told Deputy Nash:”There are currently 66 stepdown and 27 respite beds available in Louth Meath IHA which comfortably meet patient demands.
“It should be noted that the bed bed base in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda has been increased by 33 beds since 2023 with inital planning commenced on Phase 2 96 ward block at the site.
“There has also been an increase in five beds in Louth County Hospital rehabiliation beds since 2023. A further fifteen Acute beds will open in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda in January 2027.
There is a doctor on call service at the Cottage hospital plus the Drogheda station for the National Ambulance Service which are not expected to be affected by the move.
