Belmullet Hospital assurances must be honoured - Flynn

Flynn says Belmullet assurances must be honoured


Anton McNulty

MAYO Fianna FΡil TD, Beverley Flynn (pictured) has called for assurances given by the HSE in relation to the future of Belmullet District Hospital to be honoured.
Deputy Flynn was responding to criticism of her from some members of the public after she failed to appear at last Thursday night’s public meeting to discuss the hospital and her failure to send apologies for her absence.
A large deputation of local people met her at her clinic in Belmullet the following day where she explained that she was unable to attend the previous night’s protest meeting because of being diverted to Galway to visit a family member who is in hospital.
She told the deputation who were concerned over the closure of beds at the hospital that Professor Brendan Drumm, CEO of the HSE, had given assurances that Belmullet Hospital would have an enhanced role to play in the delivery of community health services in Mayo in the future.
Deputy Flynn said it was important that the HSE now clearly spell out its plans for the future of Belmullet Hospital and allay the growing concerns of the people of the Erris region over the hospital’s future.
“I want the HSE to confirm its plans for Belmullet and to reassure patients, staff and the public of the priority to ensure the maximum provision of services at Belmullet,” she said.
In a letter to Deputy Flynn, Mr Frank Murray, Local Health Manager of the HSE pointed out that the challenges facing the HSE were the moratorium on staff recruitment which he said had adversely effected Belmullet Hospital along with budgetary constraints facing the HSE in 2010.
Deputy Flynn said she will be meeting the HSE at the end of this month when these matters will be finalised for the year, but she would be insisting  that the role of Belmullet Hospital would be maintained and enhanced.