Cherry Orchard beds closures will cause “stress and suffering” says local TD

Local TD Catherine Byrne has said that the HSE decision to remove respite care beds in Cherry Orchard Hospital shows a “disregard” for the elderly population which will cause “stress and suffering” for old people.

Byrne, a Fine Gael TD,  said: “The HSE’s decision to cut the number of respite care beds in Cherry Orchard Hospital by 50 percent from the end of May shows the Government’s complete disregard for our elderly population, and will cause unnecessary stress and suffering for elderly people and their families in the locality”.

The TD says the HSE informed her that 12 rollover respite care beds will be closed from the end of May due to budget reasons.

Byrne says that patients, their families, and staff the Hospital are “worried and angered” by the decision to close the beds.

“Cutbacks should never be made at the expense of the health and wellbeing of patients, especially elderly people who need continuous care. I am therefore calling on the HSE to reverse this decision, considering the disastrous effects it will have on our community”.