Erris people to fight for their hospital

Erris people to fight for their hospital


Anton McNulty

THE message from the people of Erris which came out of the Broadhaven Bay Hotel last Thursday evening was clear and simple. There will be no downgrading of the Belmullet District Hospital.
Over 400 people from all over Erris attended the meeting which was called in response to concern in the area that the district hospital was to be downgraded. There are concerns that up to a third of the 40 beds are not being used and staff are not being replaced, forcing patients from the area to be referred to Mayo General Hospital instead.
Sinn Féin councillor, Rose Conway-Walsh who organised the meeting, told The Mayo News that the turnout showed that the people were determined that the hospital will be used to its capacity. Despite an invitation, no representative from the HSE attended the meeting and Cllr Conway-Walsh explained that they have formed a Hospital Action Group and were looking for a meeting with Frank Murray, the HSE West Director of Operations this week.
“We were delighted with the turnout given the short notice. There were very moving contributions from the floor from people who have gone through the hospital or have family who have. There are still empty beds because there is still an issue with the moratorium on staff and the question needs to be asked why other hospitals are allowed temporary staff and Belmullet isn’t. In Erris we have 3,000 people over 65 and there are people who are going to Castlebar who can be cared for in Belmullet.
“There was a sense of controlled anger at the meeting but more-so it was defiance that we will not allow this to happen. There is support from all the political parties on this issue and I have never seen the community as united on any issue. All we want is the 40 beds in the hospital up and running and the hospital to work to its full capacity. We have a very good action group established with very experienced people involved and we will leave no stone unturned,” she said.
Cllr Conway-Walsh added that they received messages from the Erris Association in New York expressing their concern because they raised €50,000 for medical equipment for the hospital.
Fine Gael TD, Michael Ring, who attended the meeting, said the message from the meeting was clear and the people of Erris would not accept any downgrading.
“I have requested an urgent meeting with both Frank Murray and Michael Fahey of the HSE to discuss this issue in full, staff shortages and the future of the hospital. The people of Erris will not accept any downgrading of the hospital. It is a vital service for the area and it must be retained,” he said.