There is no truth in speculation that Mervue Health Centre is to close or that its staff are to be relocated to the primary care centre in Doughiska.
Independent councillor Terry O’Flaherty confirmed this week that the rumours, which caused widespread concern among local residents, especially older people, were inaccurate.
She said she had been contacted by a number of concerned locals who feared they would face “undue hardship”if the move went ahead.
“Quite a number of the local residents that contacted me were concerned by these reports. Such a move would cause undue hardship especially for the senior citizens of the area, of whom there are many and who would greatly be inconvenienced by such a move.”
The city councillor stated she contacted the HSE West about the speculation and was reassured that there were no proposals to close the Mervue facility.
“I can now confirm that I received confirmation in writing this week from the management of the HSE that there are no plans to close the Mervue Health Centre or relocate the staff to the primary care centre in Doughiska. The public health nurses for both the Castlegar and Mervue areas continue to work from this centre.
“I welcome this news which will be a relief especially for the elderly, the fact that particularly the nursing staff will continue to operate from this centre, will by welcomed by those that use this facility.”
The concerns over the future of the Mervue health centre came in the wake of the temporary closure of Corrandulla health centre.
Headford based Fianna Fail county councillor Mary Hoade said recently that local residents were “hugely” concerned at the news. She said a note was placed on the door of the facility asking patients to contact the public health nurse in Turloughmore.
However, she said she had been assured that the health centre, a “focal point” in the community, has been closed temporarily. She was informed by the HSE West that due to the moratarium on staff it is not possible to replace the nurse who is currently on leave.
She says she has made a number of requests to the HSE to have refurbishment works carried out on the centre which is “badly in need of some repair works”.
In a statement the HSE West said that Corrandulla health centre is staffed by a public health nurse (PHN ) and by a community welfare officer (Department of Social Protection ).
“The PHN is currently on leave and patients are being redirected to the Turloughmore health centre to avail of services as the PHN position cannot be replaced during leave. The community welfare officer continues to provide a weekly clinic from the health centre. There are upcoming refurbishment plans to replace the floor coverings and re-paint the health centre.”
