HSE HITS BACK AT CRITICISM OVER ST BRIGID'S HOSPITAL

Date Published: 08-Feb-2008

The Health Service Executive has hit back at criticism over the closure of the admissions therapy unit at St. Brigid's hospital in Ballinasloe.In a statement to Galway Bay Fm News this afternoon, the HSE claims that the closure of the room will not have "an adverse impact on patients."The special unit provides up to 25 patients with therapies such as occupational and relaxation and allows them to participate in arts and crafts.However as of 4pm the room, which was staffed by non-specialist therpay staff, will be closed and the nurses who worked there will be redeployed to other parts of the hospital.The HSE says patients will now have access to all appropriate therpaies via dedicated multi-disciplinary specialist teams.However, Galway East T.D Ulick Burke says many vulnerable patients will be affected by what he calls, 'a cost-cutting move'.