SIPTU calls for reassessment of St. Brigids bed closures
Galway Bay fm newsroom - SIPTU has raised serious concerns over plans to close all acute pyschiatric beds in St. Brigids Hospital, Ballinasloe.
The trade union represents nursing, support and care staff in the East Galway Mental Health Services region.A recent HSE reconfiguration means acute inpatient beds will no longer be provided at the end of the year at the Ballinasloe facility.It instead is be used to provide enhanced community-based mental health care.Under the review, 22 such beds will be maintained in Roscommon.Paul Hardy of SIPTU Health Division says the assessment of the Ballinasloe site needs further consideration.He says proximity to local hospital facilities is one of the areas that need to be rethought such as the A&E unit at Portiuncula Hospital.Speaking to Galway Bay fm news, he says the HSE should now put its closure plans on hold.