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”.