THE Minister for Health is being lobbied to sanction a new state-of-the-art community hospital for Killarney.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae is spearheading a campaign to have a purpose-built, ultra modern facility built on a greenfield site on the grounds of the former St Finan’s Hospital complex.
He said the current community hospital has 135 beds and provides a range of essential services such as community support, respite, palliative care and residential care to the local community.
But the St Columbanus unit, which provides long-term residential care, does not meet the environmental requirements as laid out in the national residential standards.
Deputy Healy-Rae pointed out HSE has engaged in a consultation and design process to bring the unit into compliance with regard to standards and regulations specified by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).
Capital funding has been identified for residential services for older people and a submission has been made to address the St Columbanus deficit through this process.
But he insists that the development of a new hospital is the sensible way to proceed, with the long-term interests of the community in mind.
“In a town that more than doubles its population during the summer months a modern, top class community hospital is needed. It’s the most cost-effective way and it makes financial sense,” Deputy Healy-Rae told Killarney Today.
Smaller towns and villages like Kenmare, Dingle and Valentia already boast top class, modern district hospitals.
He said he has raised the matter at regional health authority level and with Minister James Reilly.
“If you keep at it, it will eventually happen,” he said.
