HSE's plans for Nenagh nursing unit remain 'unclear'
People taking part in the Save Nenagh Community Nursing Unit protest in the town last year. Picture: Eamon Ward
Families affected by nursing home bed shortages in Tipperary should be informed by the HSE about its plans for a unit in Nenagh, the organiser of a protest movement has urged.
A new build intended as a nursing home was controversially switched into use as an overflow and rehabilitation unit linked to University Hospital Limerick just over a year ago.
This left elderly people living in St Conlon’s nursing home with no option but to remain there instead of transferring to the new build.
This was despite critical Hiqa reports which led to room closures at the older home. Other people on waiting lists were left with nowhere to go.
The contract for the new unit with private provider Barta Healthcare is due to expire in August 2025, the HSE Midwest health region told a recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum.
Responding to questions from councillor Seamus Morris, they said plans are for a HSE-led service “which will include long term residential care services commencing in Q3 2025 for the current St Conlon’s residents” referring to July to September.
However Anna Tracey, who organised a huge protest through the town last May and is Siptu shop steward at St Conlon’s, said it is unclear what will happen to people on waiting lists.
“Absolutely none of the families have been contacted so far,” she said. Staff at St Conlon’s are getting requests “every week” from families, she added.
“We can give them respite but we can’t give a long term bed unless one comes up, and there’s a waiting list,” she said. “It could be four years because there are only 21 beds which are long-term stays.”
Staff at St Conlon’s are also unclear what will happen to their jobs, she explained.
