Today family advocates for patients in the Rowan Unit in Cherry Orchard Hospital were informed by management that the unit will remain in full use for the present.
The HSE apologised to all patients and families who have been distressed by the lack of information on the future of the unit. Admissions had been cancelled in the unit for the past two weeks and up to last weekend five beds were empty.
Families of the three long term patients who live in the unit were also reassured today that any decision in the future on the accommodation for their brothers would only be taken after full consultation with the patients and their families.
Admissions to the unit are opened again and the HSE has indicated that a broader review, involving staff members and HIV advocacy groups has been put in place. This review will take at least one month to complete. The HSE management assured all involved that the respite service would not be closed but would be improved and enhanced.
This is very welcome news for the patients, the families and their supporters. Cllr. Brid Smith who had put a motion before Dublin City Council’s meeting last night calling on the HSE not to close the service, was assured of the support of the vast majority of the Council. In the event the motion did not go ahead but a similar motion was passed unanimously by the South Central Area committee last week.
The proposed closure of the unit was also raised in the Dail by Joan Collins TD. In response Deputy Roisin Shortall indicated that she was shocked by the news and would investigate it further.
The HSE were very conscious that this decision was negatively received by the general public and received dozens of communications from political representatives, HIV advocacy groups, media and family members.
A protest planned for Monday 10th October by the patients and their families has now been postponed and hopefully will not be necessary if the review delivers a positive outcome for all concerned.
Issued by Councillor Brid Smith 087 9090166
