HSE Chief, Bernard Gloster has said he was impressed with his recent visit to Abbeyleix Hospital, where he was exploring wnew opportunities for the facility.
Mr Gloster accompanied staff to the Day Care Centre and also took the opportunity to visit the facilities for Primary Care and GP services in the town.
Sinn Féin TD for Laois Offaly, Brian Stanley said: “I spoke with (Mr Gloster) a number of times early in the summer and conveyed to him my belief that Abbeyleix Hospital site was the perfect location for an integrated Community Care and Health Hub.
“He was impressed with the space available on the site, location and the commitment of staff both in the Transitional Care Unit, which is the step-down facility for patients being discharged from Portlaoise and the Community Nursing Unit for respite and the elderly.
“He informs me that he sees an opportunity to further expand services on the Abbeyleix site and has requested senior HSE officials to advance a number of areas for expansion and improvement.
“He has identified the urgent need to have the Day Care Centre relocated in a new modular building and has instructed officials to progress this.
“This in turn would free up space in the main building for an additional five to six beds for Respite or Transitional Care.
“A new building on the site may also have the possibility of accommodation for more bed space.
“Regarding the GP and Primary Care, he has committed to improving the facilities at the hospital for the local GP & Public Health Nurse.
“He expressed a strong belief that all onsite services and disciplines therapies etc need to be available for the step-down patients from Portlaoise and Respite patients in the Community Nursing Unit and for those attending Primary Care.
“I will continue to press the case with the HSE and with its Chief Executive Mr. Gloster, that Abbeyleix is established as a significant facility for integrated health services and community care for County Laois.”
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