A local councillor has called the removal of the remaining orthopaedic, paediatric, and surgical services from Athlone as “devastating”.
Cllr Paul Hogan had called on the HSE earlier this week to “clarify the future of surgical, orthopaedic, and paediatric services in St Vincent’s Hospital, Athlone”, and called on Joe Ruane, HSE manager with responsibility for Longford and Westmeath, to explain his plans for these services from September 1.
“Plans have been brought to my attention that the HSE propose to withdraw these services from Athlone and relocate them to Tullamore and Mullingar which, if implemented, would have a devastating effect on the people of Athlone,” said Cllr Hogan.
Yesterday (Thursday May 2 ), the HSE confirmed these rumours in a statement, but emphasised the moves would not lead to any reduction in services, nor any loss of jobs. There are currently three centres of excellence within 40 minutes of Athlone, and an air ambulance in Custume Barracks.
“Following a review of all outpatient clinics, the HSE Midlands are working to implement recommendations to relocate some outlying clinics from the community setting , specifically St Vincent’s Hospital, Athlone, to the acute setting in Tullamore and Mullingar hospitals,” said a spokesperson for Joe Ruane.
“This relocation will not result in a reduction in service, in fact, it will serve to strengthen capacity to see and treat more people. In addition there is no staff loss as a result of this decision. The decision to relocate these services back into a hospital has been taken in consideration of the activity levels and capacity in all clinics with the focus on maximising the numbers of patients seen and reducing staff travel time,” she said.
The proposed transfer timeframe begins this month and runs to September 2013, and consultation with the services involved is currently underway, it was confirmed
“This withdrawal of services is the latest in a string of cuts to health services for the people of Athlone. Security for staff has been fully withdrawn if MIDOC is called out, our public nursing home numbers has been decimated with the closure of Loughloe House, and there’s been serious reduction in numbers in St Vincent’s since the ear, nose, and throat department was relocated to Tullamore. Respite beds have also been cut dramatically,” Cllr Hogan explained.
“It’s a little more than an administration centre. There’s only 30 or so long-term, continuing care beds, down from 110 just two years ago,” he pointed out.
“This litany of cuts to services is beginning to look like the death of St Vincent’s Hospital by a thousand cuts. I have tabled a motion for discussion at next week’s meeting of Athlone Town Council,” he concluded.
