Deputy Marian Harkin has urged the Taoiseach to intervene in a dispute that has resulted in the new €37.6 million Ballyshannon Community Hospital remaining shut.
The facility was to have opened this week, however it remains closed due to a dispute between nurses’ unions and the HSE.
The INMO and SIPTU argue that it cannot support the opening of the 80-bed hospital until staffing levels are adequate as it poses a risk to both staff and patients. Talks between both sides broke down last month.
Speaking in the Dáil last night, said opening the new hospital could relieve some of the pressure at the both Sligo and Letterkenny hospitals.
Donegal is unique, she added, in having no dementia assessment service and that this new hospital would provide that.
“So, I am asking for your influence today to get this community hospital opened,” Deputy Harkin told the Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar.
In response, the Taoiseach said the government ‘stands ready to intervene’ through both sides going through the Workplace Relations Commission.
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