‘Clear alternatives available’ - Keep hands off Longford’s excellent physio service

Longford TD Micheál Carrigy has strongly appealed to the government and HSE to keep their hands off the county’s excellent physiotherapy services and ensure they remain at St Joseph’s Care Centre, amid growing concern over their future location following a recent HIQA report.

Speaking in the Dáil, Deputy Carrigy highlighted the physiotherapy service currently in place at the Care Centre on the Dublin Road in Longford town supports over 4,000 service users annually. 

However, he noted that due to HIQA compliance requirements regarding residential access, the service was required to relocate elsewhere on the campus. 

This has raised fears among staff and service users that the service could be moved entirely to Athlone or Mullingar.

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“That is simply not acceptable,” Deputy Carrigy told the Dáil. “We’ve lost a number of services over the years in our county and we are not going to accept losing this one - especially when there are clear alternatives available on-site.” 

Deputy Carrigy confirmed that he has engaged directly with Minister for Older People Kieran O’Donnell and senior HSE officials in Older Person Services on the issue and welcomed the fact that proposals have now been put forward to maintain the service within the St Joseph’s campus. 

“I want a clear commitment to the people of Longford, to the service users, and to the staff that this service will stay at St Joseph’s. I’m calling for common sense to prevail here.”

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In response, the Taoiseach acknowledged the importance of the issue, and stated that as part of the HIQA compliance plan, the physiotherapy service had already been relocated to an alternative part of the building with a dedicated new entrance, and that the service is now fully operational.

A feasibility study has been completed, and the Taoiseach confirmed that a final decision is expected by June 20. 

He committed to relaying Deputy Carrigy’s concerns to the Minister for Health.

Deputy Carrigy has vowed to continue engaging at the highest levels to secure the long-term future of the service on-site in Longford.

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