THERE are no emergency respite beds available in Inishowen, it has been confirmed.
The only three respite beds in the peninsula, located at Riverwalk House in Carndonagh, are being occupied by service users who are availing of the beds on a full-time basis.
This is pending alternative accommodation and support packages being sourced for them.
Cllr Albert Doherty queried the matter at meeting of the Health Forum West.
Last December, it emerged that capacity issues at Riverwalk House left just one bed available for respite to 46 service users in Inishowen.
“Disability Services also continue to engage with Donegal County Council as the housing authority in regards to the provision of housing to people with disabilities,” John Hayes, the HSE’s Chief Officer in CHO1, said.
“Donegal County Council has indicated it does not have any properties at present in the Inishowen area which would meet the needs of the persons in emergency respite in Riverwalk House.
“Donegal Disability Services currently have no emergency respite beds available in Inishowen.
“Ballymacool Respite House in Letterkenny is the alternative location for priority respite requests. Emergency home support packages and additional home support packages have been available to families who have required additional support and these are reviewed and modified as required.”
Cllr Doherty expressed disappointment with the comments.
He said: “We need a provision of basic services. I am very disappointed with the answer and very disappointed that those in the disability sector are abandoned again.
“We have to get a resolution to this. It is a very poor reflection on service provision in the peninsula. What are we doing to resolve the issues?”
Mr Hayes said that the Donegal Disability Services, working with HSE Property Management and Estates, are attempting to source residential homes for the service users in emergency respite care in Riverwalk House.
He said: “The housing market in Inishowen has proved extremely challenging in sourcing any appropriate houses for either lease or purchase despite exhaustive searches.
“HSE Property Management continue to pursue all options with estate agents and private vendors. The HSE is now considering the possibility of green field developments in order to meet the accommodation requirements for Disability Services in Inishowen and other areas of the CHO.”
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