‘Alternative location’ likely for Carndonagh day services

The HSE has said that an ‘alternative location’ is likely to be the solution to the ongoing issue regarding the restoration of day centre services at Carndonagh Community Hospital.

The matter was raised at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum West this week by Carndonagh-based Sinn Féin Councillor Albert Doherty.

Councillor Doherty asked if health chiefs would ‘prioritise and progress the review of developing within the hospital location’ an area to enable the restoration of the day services.

Dermot Monaghan, Chief Officer, Community Healthcare Organisation, said that HSE Estates and Infection and Prevention Control (IPC) are actively involved in addressing all identified issues.

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“An IPC Report has been received which has identified substantial deficiencies which cannot be mitigated against within the current footprint of the building,” Mr Monaghan said.

“The HSE Estates Department have been requested to progress a review of existing or new premises which will meet the requirements for providing a day centre within Carndonagh.”

Assistant National Director, HSE Capital & Estates, Mr Joe Hoare, said the HSE will progress a review for providing a Day Care Centre for the Carndonagh area.

He said: “This review will include consider of various options within Carndonagh including leased premises, new build solution and existing HSE-owned premises.

“Given the ongoing requirements for increased space within Community Hospitals, an alternative location in Carndonagh is likely to emerge as a strong option from both a programme and future compliance perspective. Any solution must meet the long term needs of both the Community Hospital and the older persons Day Centre.”