When are day services in Our Lady’s Hospital to resume? - Gurn

When Covid-19 hit, the Day Care Centre in Our Lady’s Hospital (OLH) Manorhamilton was closed and has not reopened, said Cllr Felim Gurn at this week's Regional Health Forum West. 

He asked: "Is there any update on when the service will resume, as elected representatives we are being asked this by the general public."

Ann Cosgrove, COO, Saolta University Health Care Group said that prior to COVID, this "day centre type service can now be availed of in the Bee Park Centre, also known as the Kilgar Centre and the referral pathway has remained unchanged (self-referral, GP, Public health nurses (PHN), family)."

She said that in relation to day hospital services in OLH, both the acute hospital and community health organisation are working to "provide new models of care that allow people to stay healthy in their homes and communities for as long as possible. As a result, the need for a medical model day service that was provided in Our Lady’s Hospital prior to COVID has diminished. The Enhanced Community Care Programmes offer medical services to our local population with a focus on providing quality care in an appropriate setting. At this stage, we are in discussions with CHO service to identify any service gaps in the locality to see how best to bridge any gaps. A further update will be provided later in the year on this matter."