HSE criticised over stalled rehab unit

The HSE has been accused of lacking any urgency on the long stalled rehabilitation unit planned for Roscommon University Hospital.

The unit was promised in 2015 with an attached budget of €8 million. Recently in the Dáil Fianna Fáil TD Martin Daly accused the HSE of lacking any urgency on the project.

“It was twice removed from the HSE's capital plan without any discussion and twice put back on after lobbying by me and my office,” the Ballygar GP said. “Now there is a real lack of urgency about providing those places. Neurorehabilitation looks after acquired brain injuries, stroke, traumatic Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, spinal injuries and a host of other things,” he explained.

There was a significant lack of beds in the HSE West and North-West Region, which was recognised, he continued.

The Taoiseach Micheál Martin said he would again speak to the Minister for Health Jennifer O’Carroll MacNeill and to HSE Estates about progressing the project.

“One of the values of Roscommon University Hospital has been the degree to which it can provide a range of services outside of the acute tertiary centres,” the Taoiseach said. “That makes life far easier for people in the region to access these services. Rehab is so important, particularly for neurological issues or accidents and so on. It can do an awful lot in enabling a person to get back into participating in society and work, depending on the circumstances governing an individual who requires access to a rehab unit of that kind.” 

Deputy Daly also raised the issue directly with the Minister for Health.

When contacted the HSE said the project was progressing, and that an overall plan for the hospital was ongoing.

“The outcome and final report will define and finalise the project scope and brief,” the HSE said. “In parallel with the above health planning study and report, HSE Capital & Estates has progressed with the design team framework for this type and value of project. This framework is now established and the progression to appoint the design team services will follow.” 

The HSE was asked when the design team would be appointed but no response was received before going to press.