Respite beds needed in Leitrim town so people can be cared for close to their home

Ballinamore Community Hospital needs "at least two respite beds", said Cllr Ita Reynolds-Flynn at the latest meeting of the Ballinamore MD.

The south Leitrim councillor said: "Respite beds are for short-terms stays or people who need end-of-life care. I think it would be good to have beds there; we have a state-of-the-art hospital here and rather than people having to stay in the hospital, they would be nearer home and it would be a more community-based approach."

READ MORE: More parking for Leitrim town to attract 'an employer that might bring 60 to 80 jobs in'

Cllr Reynolds-Flynn,who is a member of the Regional Health Forum West, said it is an issue she will also raise with the forum. 

Cllr Gary Prior said that recently he tried to find a bed "for a family member however there were no beds there and it's heart-breaking to think that there is such a fine facility there and a few extra beds would make such a difference to people and families."

Cllr Roisin Kenny also supported the motion saying that as a former nursing home worker, she knew "the difference respite makes to not only the person but to their family members who are caring for them and to have it locally."