The St Joseph’s Hospital Action Group say they have been given assurances by the HSE that the facility will remain open with a minimum of 62 bed capacity.
The statement from the group comes after a delegation from the committee at Save Our St Joseph’s Hospital met with HSE officials.
Speaking after the meeting, a spokesperson for the Stranorlar hospital action group said the meeting went very well and that lines of communication will remain open.
A spokesperson said “The HSE were provided with questions the committee wanted answered, prior to their meeting. They were answered by the HSE in what the committee called “an open, honest and reaffirming meeting.”
The physiotherapy services were removed recently due to a HIQA report in January 2024 which did not meet fire regulations.
This removal is on a temporary basis for a maximum of 6-9 months while the necessary works are carried out.
The group say they were reassured by the HSE the services would be returning to the area, and suitable buildings are currently being sourced.
There was also confirmation that it is the HSE’s plan to continue to keep the hospital as busy as it is now, with a minimum of 62 beds being kept at St Joseph’s Hospital, allowing for upgrade works to HIQA standards also.
The group were also reassured that other services lost recently would be returning to the area.
It was deemed essential by the committee that services continue for the patients there, and the beds must be retained both for short and long term use.
It was promised at the joint meeting that communication lines would remain open between both the HSE and Save Our St Joseph’s Hospital Action Group.
“The Action Group will continue to meet regularly and interested members of the community are welcome to attend our meetings.
“We would like extend our thanks to all who are supporting our campaign through the Action Group committee and we look forward to meeting again soon,” said the spokesperson.
