The McBride Nursing Home in Westport is not closing despite rumours which circulated locally last week.
Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport Michael Ring confirmed on Monday that he has been in contact with the HSE following concerns raised with him regarding the possible closure of the home.
Minister Ring contacted the HSE and was told: “The bed complement of the McBride Community Nursing Unit has been reduced to 30 in order to comply with the HIQA requirements for staffing levels on night duty. There are currently 27 patients in the unit.”
Minister Ring has called the rumours which circulated over the last number of days as nothing short of “disgraceful” and “totally unacceptable”.
“It is unnecessarily frightening elderly people. The situation is that HIQA recently carried out a report on the McBride CNU; the HSE has responded to that report with regard to staffing numbers. The HSE has confirmed to me that they will not be closing the McBride CNU. The situation is that there are 30 beds open in the McBride CNU, with 27 patients at present. Their primary concern is to ensure that they can deliver a quality service to their patients.”
According to Minister Ring there is a shortfall in staff numbers of four people at the home as a result of retirement and maternity leave.
