Councillor Paul Hogan is hopeful that some respite beds will be provided again for the people of Athlone.
The Athlone-based councillor was part of a delegation which met the Minster for Health in June 2010 on this issue, and it has become apparent that a small number of respite beds will be provided in Athlone in the coming days.
“It has been brought to my attention this week that a small number of respite beds will be restored for the people of Athlone,” said Cllr Hogan, Sinn Féin’s candidate in the February 25 General Election.
“I was part of a delegation that met with Minister for Health Mary Harney last June, and at that meeting the Minister stated that three or four respite beds would be provided within a few days of the meeting. Up until now, these beds have not been provided.
“Before the decision to close Loughloe House nursing home was made, there were nearly 40 respite beds in Athlone. A provision of three or four beds represented a reduction of 90 per cent in respite beds for Athlone. However, these beds never became available.
“It is now my understanding that two or three respite beds will now be provided in the town. Although, these respite beds are welcome, it is not near enough beds to cater for the demand for respite services.
“The people of this town and its hinterland deserve an adequate health service, and respite beds form part of that service. It is welcome but the health service in Athlone remains wholly inadequate,” he concluded.
