WELFARE HOME ACTION GROUP AWAITS MEETING WITH MINISTER
With still no date set for a meeting between the Minister for Health Dr James Reilly and the members of the St Francis’ Welfare Home Action committee, a report on the future of the facility is now expected to be published within the coming weeks.
Cllr Tadhg O’Donovan, PRO for the Welfare Home Action Committee told The Avondhu that the group was very disappointed that a meeting with the health minister has not taken place.
“We are running out of time, the present situation at the welfare home is unsustainable since the transfer of the remaining 12 patients back to the community hospital. The Welfare Home Action committee will meet once again this Friday and we will be demanding that a meeting with the minister is forthcoming without further delay,” he told The Avondhu.
The members of the welfare Home Action committee, which includes Fermoy town councillors as well as county councillors and local TDs, have called for a meeting with the Minister for Health at which they plan to deliver a public petition containing almost 4,000 signatures.
“As time passes the people of Fermoy and the surrounding areas are continuing to worry about the future of this facility,” Cllr O’Donovan said.
Meanwhile, Minister Sean Sherlock, while supporting the efforts of the Welfare Home Action committee in seeking a meeting with Minister Reilly, is convinced that there is a future for the facility.
“I have been in consultation with the decision makers in the HSE and while these negotiations are still ongoing, I have asked the HSE to look at the option of a formal association with St Patrick’s Community Hospital in Fermoy,” Minister Sherlock said.
Published:
Friday 23rd September 9:50am
