Fr John Joe Duffy
A well-known Donegal priest has said there is now a need to de-politicise the situation concerning the campaign to save Our services in our 3 Hospitals, Lifford, Ramelton and Stranorlar.
Fr John Joe Duffy of Stranorlar was speaking after Minister Kathleen Lynch declined to meet with campaigners.
Fr Duffy said “We made a request for a meeting with Minister of State at the Dept., of Health, Kathleen Lynch,T.D., independent of any politicians, and we are now very disappointed at the political opportunism on the part of some to come out and reveal the response of the Minister, before the our committee was fully briefed on the reply from the Minister.
“This issue is much too serious, far too important, to play politics with, for politicians to make political gain from because we are talking about our most vulnerable,our elderly and our sick and the need to care for them at the hearts of their communities. For elderly, parents, spouses, siblings and extended family to be given every opportunity to be part of their loved one’s care.
“The Save Our Services, Lifford Ramelton Stranorlar, Communinty Hospitals’ Action Group are totally resolved and fully determined in carrying this battle forward, whilst the Minister will not meet us, this still remains a political decision. We are calling on the Minister to put an immediate stay on that decision made by her and her Deparment, to reverse it, and to work with us in ensuring the continuation of all current services at our 3 Hospitals.”
He said the group are now calling on the Government parties to come clean and give absolute assurances of the long term future of these Hospitals, all the long term beds, the residential units, and all current services in the 3 Hospitals.
“In light of the Ministers refusal, we will now redouble our efforts, we will work with all politicians, all communities and all peoples in ensuring the success of this most important campaign.
“We are now calling on people from the areas served by these 3 Hospitals, and beyond to come out and support our campaign, to march with us on Saturday the 13th, Feb, beginnig from St. Joseph’s Hospital at 1.30 pm. The march will proceed through the Twin Towns to Jackson’s Hotel for a public meeting at 2.30 pm.”
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