The stand-off between the HSE and residents of Loughloe House and their families continues this week, with the news that two months have passed since the HSE first announced it would be closing the facility.
While the HSE says it is proceeding with its plans and is liaising with residents to move them into other facilities, several residents are still refusing to leave and their families and supporters continue to call for a reversal of the decision.
Cllr Paul Hogan said this week he is confident the HSE deadline on the proposed closure of Loughloe House will pass.
“It is now two months since the Health Service Executive announced their intended closure of Loughloe House nursing home and the subsequent relocation of the 26 residents of the nursing home. Despite the HSE giving a deadline of two months on May 6, it is likely that this deadline will not be met,” he said.
“Despite threats by the HSE that staff would be withdrawn after the two month deadline, it is clear that the HSE has rowed back on this ill-conceived notion.”
However, the HSE say a date was never set for the closure. “There was never a date specified for the closure of Loughloe House. The HSE continues to consult with the residents and their families,” said a spokesperson this week.
“The HSE is proceeding with the closure of the unit and continues to consult with residents and their families to assist them in accessing more suitable accommodation...The HSE accepts that this has been a very stressful time for the residents, their family, and the staff at the facility; however it should be stressed that this decision has been taken to protect the health and welfare of the residents concerned.”
