Lack of respite beds in Castlebar is a major issue
There is just one respite bed available in the Castlebar area.
The dearth of respite beds in Castlebar has been branded a ‘disgrace’ by local councillors.
Councillors bemoaned the deficit in the area at a meeting of Castlebar Municipal District.
Cllr Cyril Burke said just a single respite bed is available at the Sacred Heart Hospital in Castlebar compared to nine in Swinford.
Respite care offers temporary support, ensuring the well-being and comfort of those in need, as well as providing much needed breaks to those caring for them on a regular basis.
“People in the Castlebar Municipal District are being denied respite,” said Cllr Burke.
He proposed that council write to Tony Canavan, Regional Executive Officer of the HSE.
Cllr Michael Kilcoyne told Cllr Burke that his party Fine Gael has the power to make the changes. Cllr Burke said high-level political overtures on the matter have been ignored by the HSE.
“One more bed could make an awful difference,” he added.
Fianna Fail’s Blackie Gavin said he understands new Taoiseach Simon Harris has been made aware of the problem but change is still not forthcoming.
“This has gone to the new Taoiseach I believe and seemingly he can’t do anything about it,” said Cllr Gavin.
“There is a man in Roscommon responsible and he has something against Castlebar,” he claimed.
