Fianna Fáil TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, has welcomed confirmation from the HSE that the recently announced review of Drogheda Cottage Hospital is limited to the hospital’s older persons services and does not extend to any other services provided at the facility.
In correspondence to Deputy McGreehan, the HSE confirmed that the review is focused on ensuring the hospital’s bed capacity aligns with the wider model of care for older persons across the Louth Meath Integrated Healthcare Area.
The in their letter to the deputy, HSE stated:
“A key element of this review is to ensure that the beds at the Cottage Hospital are in line with the wider model of care for older persons in Integrated Healthcare Area Louth Meath to ensure the effective use of services for the benefit of the people of Louth Meath.
“It should be noted that no other services within the Cottage Hospital will form part of the review. There are no plans to close Drogheda Cottage Hospital and all services remain operational.”
Deputy McGreehan said the clarification should reassure patients, staff and the wider community following speculation about the future of the hospital in recent weeks.
Speaking on the confirmation, Deputy McGreehan said:
“Many people across Drogheda and the surrounding area rely on the vital services provided by Drogheda Cottage Hospital and were understandably concerned by speculation surrounding its future.
“The confirmation from the HSE that the review is limited to older persons services, that no other services are being examined and that there are no plans to close the hospital will come as a significant relief to many people.
“It is encouraging that the purpose of the review is to ensure services continue to operate as efficiently and effectively as possible, while continuing to meet the needs of older people across the Louth Meath Integrated Healthcare Area.
“We have seen positive announcements in recent weeks regarding investment in healthcare infrastructure across County Louth, particularly at Louth County Hospital. This additional certainty around the future of Drogheda Cottage Hospital is another welcome development for patients, staff and the wider community.”
