The Day Centre at St.Conal’s Hospital in Letterkenny has not opened since it was closed at the start of the Covid pandemic in March last year.
Councillor Gerry Mc Monagle is now calling on the HSE to set a definitive timeframe for the reopening of St Conal’s Day Care Centre for those with Mental Health Issues.
Cllr Mc Monagle, the Vice Chairperson of the Regional Health Forum West, said St Conals Day Care Centre was prior to Covid providing an essential service for those vulnerable adults with Mental Health Issues.
The centre provided a safe place for the patrons to meet and take part in group therapy sessions through the Arts and special learning classes.
The Centre was closed at the outbreak of Covid and has not reopened. Cllr Mc Monagle is worried that the centre will fall victim to HSE Cuts and not reopen.
Despite repeated requests to the HSE as to when the centre will be reopening their silence or lack of response makes me think the worse and that the Day Care Centre will not reopen thus losing another vital Mental Health service facility.
Cllr McMonagle added “Whilst I fully understand the closure of the Centre in relation to the outbreak of covid and the protection of staff and patrons.
“I believe now as the country is beginning to open up and with over 89% of people fully vaccinated, I believe the HSE should be putting in place a strategy to reopen this and other similar type facilities to help those who undoubtably suffered during the recent lockdowns.
“I am now once again calling on the CHO1 area management to issue a statement on this matter and tell us when the St Conals Day Care Centre will be reopening.”
