Sinn Féin Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty has welcomed the decision to allow for new admissions to Dungloe Community Hospital on a phased basis this month following the closure of the facility in April due to the identification of the Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae superbug at the unit.
Welcoming the announced made by the HSE Deputy Doherty said: “I very much welcome this announcement from the HSE that Dungloe Community Hospital has now reopened as from this month onwards following the discovery of CRE at the hospital earlier this year.
“The hospital was subsequently closed to new admissions as a precautionary measure in an effort to prevent the risk of infection, and a number of control measures were introduced as per current HSE guidelines to minimise the spread of the bacteria.
“Additional controls such as enhanced hand hygiene protocols were also implemented for visitors to the facility while calling in to see friends and family.
“Immediately following the announcement of the closure, I decided to raise the matter with the Health Minister in the Dáil by asking him to outline what precautions were being put in place to limit the risk posed to patients, visitors and to hospital staff by CRE.
“Considering the importance of the hospital to West Donegal, I also sought clarity from him as to when it was expected that the unit would safely re-open to new admissions.
“I am extremely delighted to have now received confirmation that the hospital has reopened to admissions this month, all be it on a phased basis, which means that the hospital can continue to serve local communities here in West Donegal.
“I’ve been informed that infection prevention and control precautions with regards to CRE within the facility continue to be adhered to in line with existing guidelines.
“This is obviously fantastic news for patients, their families and the staff at Dungloe Hospital, and again I must commend the efforts of all those working at the hospital and praise them for the exceptional level of care and support which they provide to all who attend the hospital.”
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