A third protest march against the closure of Loughloe House is to take place this Saturday, following a second HIQA report showing significant improvements at the facility.
The remaining residents and their families are continuing to fight the closure of Loughloe House, a position which has been strengthened by the publication this week of the second HIQA report on the facility.
The report found that, of the 37 recommendations made in the original report, 30 had been completed and several partially completed by the date of the second HIQA visit on May 20. Meanwhile it was reported this week that 34 of the recommended measures have now been carried out, two are ongoing, and just one is now outstanding.
This week’s HIQA report detailed significant improvements in governance, staffing levels, hygiene, and fire safety.
Speakers at this Saturday’s march will include Deputy James Bannon, Mayor Mark Cooney, John Kane of SIPTU, Cllrs Paul Hogan, Jim Henson, Frankie Keena, and Gabrielle McFadden, and members of the Save Loughloe House Action Committee.
Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Hogan this week slammed the Health Service Executive for “causing unnecessary distress and strain” to the residents of Loughloe House, and expressed concern for the welfare and wellbeing of the residents.
“The Health Service Executive is continuing to engage in actions causing huge distress and strain to the residents of Loughloe House...This mistreatment of residents must end now. The HSE and the manager of Loughloe House have serious questions to answer regarding the manner in which residents are being treated,” he said.
