The Physiotherapy Service at the St Josephs' Health Campus in Longford Town will not be taken from the site according to local political representatives. The service has been operating from a building in the community care centre in the wider campus, serving care centre service users and members of the public.
A recent HIQA report highlighted concerns that public access to the service was impacting the residents of the nursing home. As part a multi million euro upgrade of the centre, the building housing the service has been scheduled for demolition with no other site in the campus identified as a new home for the service.
It was then feared that the physio service would be removed to Mullingar or Athlone. The issued was raised with the Minister for Health by local Fine Gael TD Micheál Carrigy, with discussions held over the weekend.
Speaking following further discussions this morning, Deputy Carrigy says that the Minister is in favour of keeping the service local and the ball is now in the HSE's court. Local Councillor Peggy Nolan initially highlighted the issue following concerns from service users.
She's warning the HSE that the people of Longford will protest on the streets if the physiotherapy or any other service is taken from St Josephs.
