Bed capacity at St. Joseph’s in Stranorlar is to be reduced from 67 to 65, according to a HSE review of community hospitals in Donegal.
Several recommendations were made in a recent review report completed by Rhatigan Architects on behalf of the HSE on development of the community hospital infrastructure in Letterkenny and East Donegal.
As part of this review, residential areas in the hospitals were examined, and the report makes provision for 65 beds in total at St Joseph’s. St Joseph’s Hospital has a capacity for 67 beds currently. This includes 29 long stay beds and 38 short term care beds.
The architects have recommended the relocation of the Church of Ireland Chapel within St Joseph’s and relocation of the shared multi denominational area that exists within Ramelton.
The report said that the changes are part of critical upgrading works to improve patient services and patient privacy/dignity in the hospitals.
The HSE said there is no question of downgrading or eliminating access to religious facilities in the hospitals. The proposal is to relocate within the facilities to improve the overall layout and access.
The HSE will consult with all residents, their families and relevant churches when definite plans are being drawn up.
The reviews of bed capacity were made to determine how best to upgrade hospitals at St Joseph’s Hospital Stranorlar, Ramelton and Lifford to ensure they comply with HIQA standards, the HSE said.
The HSE said the report by Rhatigan Architects takes into account the increasing age of our population, their expressed preference in terms of service setting and of the need to provide residential facilities for older people that have their foundations in safe, quality and effective care.
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