There is extreme frustration with the current situation where day care services are no longer being offered in Abbeyleix hospital.
The issue was raised at this week’s meeting of the Portlaoise Municipal District in Laois County Council on the back of a motion from Abbeyleix-based councillor John Joe Fennelly.
The day care services were discontinued when Covid hit and haven’t resumed.
Laois County Council have agreed to contact the HSE over the issue, which was recently raised in the Dáil by local TD Brian Stanley.
“I’m very concerned for the elderly of the area,” said Cllr Fennelly. “Services have been offered as a step down from the likes of Tullamore and Portlaoise hospital and they have been offered in Abbeyleix for years upon years.
“I’m very keen that it remains in Abbeyleix. People are crying out for it. There is a lot of upset in the town.
“It’s only right that the HSE come to meet us over this,” added Cllr Fennelly.
“These were always fantastic services and it’s more services like this we need, not less,” added Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.
“Some of the staff are there 40+ years,” added Cllr Fennelly. “And I want questions answered for them too.”
“It is a vital service and I’m worried that the HSE are using Covid as an excuse to do away with services like this,” said Cllr Caroline Dwane-Stanley.
“The HSE need to come in and explain what their plan is.”
“We have a history in Laois of fighting for our health services,” said Cllr Noel Tuohy. “And we need to continue doing that.”
SEE ALSO – HSE confirm completion date for day-care services renovation works in Portlaoise and Mountmellick
