Hse to review services at st hildas in athlone

Fine Gael TD for Longford/Westmeath, Gabrielle McFadden, has said today (Tuesday) that the HSE will be carrying out a review of services at St Hilda's in Athlone in order to address the challenges it faces.

The local facility, which provides intellectual disability services, recently had its funding cut by €75,000.

Deputy McFadden issued a statement today saying she had been informed by Health Minister Leo Varadkar that the HSE would be carrying out a fundamental review of St Hilda’s services.

“I understand that the St Hilda’s review, described by the HSE as a ‘fundamental’ examination of services, will look at ways to develop sustainable services while also considering the current availability of resources.

“However, the outcome of this three-month review must guarantee the protection of services against any future cuts,' said the Athlone TD.

“Following the outcry over threats to services at St Hilda’s Services, this is welcome news and is part of a simultaneous review also being carried out at St Christopher’s Services in Longford.

“Apart from significant fund-raising initiatives supplementing existing budgets, St Hilda’s and St Christopher’s provide exceptional value for money but more importantly exceptional services under very difficult circumstances and in the face of growing demand.”