Plans to transfer long-stay patients from Lifford Community Hospital have been delayed after locals expressed their fear for the future of the facility.
The HSE this week confirmed that the two current patients, who were due to be moved to St Joseph’s in Stranorlar, will no longer be transferred in January.
The news has come as a relief to patients’ families. It follows a public meeting held in Lifford on Thursday when families, campaigners and public representatives gathered to discuss how they would fight to save the hospital from closure.
Friends of Lifford Hospital welcomed the latest confirmation from the HSE that long-term patients will not be moved. Talks are due to talk place between the patients’ families and the HSE at the end of January.
The HSE has confirmed that short term care will continue to be provided at the hospital.
In a statement, Friends of Lifford Hospital said they are committed to securing the future of the hospital: “The fight to save our hospital and our services in Lifford will continue until we have confirmation that our hospital is saved from closure and all beds are re-opened.”
