ST VINCENT'S: Nurses' group wants concrete evidence of need for Athlone facility's closure
A group representing nurses and midwives has expressed 'deep concern' over the closure of St Vincent's Care Centre in Athlone and called on the HSE to produce hard evidence showing why the facility was suddenly shut down this week.
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) said it was concerned about the sudden nature of the decision taken by HSE management to transfer 'vulnerable patients' out of the facility.
Management have cited health and safety reasons for this decision, indicating that there was an electrical fire risk involved.
The INMO said its priority is to ensure a safe and high standard of care is given to all the residents in St Vincent’s and, when a risk has been identified, the INMO would support the decision to move the patients to a safe environment.
However, the INMO remains very concerned about the short notice given in respect of this decision, noting that it puts a great deal of stress on the residents, for whom St Vincent’s is their long-term home.
It feels that the provision of alternative care should have been planned, and emergency contingency arrangements should have been agreed.
“While the provision of safe care is of primacy, we are greatly concerned that a decision was made to move residents at short notice,' said the INMOs Industrial Relations Officer, Anne Burke.
“We will be meeting HSE management at the earliest opportunity, where a number of issues will be put forward.'
She said the INMO would be looking for confirmation that the closure of the centre is only temporary, and that St Vincent’s will reopen in the shortest possible time.
“It would have been appropriate for HSE management to contact the INMO in advance of this (closure) in order to arrange appropriate contingencies for all patients and staff, and it is a matter of grave concern that they failed to do so.
“INMO will be demanding concrete evidence that such a dramatic disruption to the lives of residents and staff was absolutely necessary when we meet management. This meeting must happen as a matter of urgency,' she concluded.
An INMO members meeting has been arranged for tomorrow (Thursday) evening, and the INMO are scheduling a meeting with management at the earliest possible time.