The HSE says a consultation process has begun with residents from the Sacred heart Home in Roscommon, and their families, over the temporary relocation of some residents.
The statement comes following serious concerns expressed by some families who've been told this week that their relative will be relocated to Ballinasloe or Castlerea for three months while fire safety works take place.
Roscommon woman Bridie spoke on Shannonside FM yesterday about how news that her mother was being moved out of the Sacred Heart Home for three months came out of the blue and as a complete shock on Monday of this week.
Bridie says she was on a regular socially distanced visit to her mother when they both were informed by a staff member that the move would be taking place on the 24th of this month.
In a statement issued today the HSE confirms that Essential Fire Remedial Works are due to begin on the 24th of August and that will lead of to the closure of Our Lady's Ward initially and St Joseph's Ward thereafter.
The statement says the HSE regrets this will involve a temporary relocation of residents in the two wars, and this is a last resort.
It says fire safety and the safety of residents is paramount and due to the level of work involved each ward will have to be vacated on a phased basis for around 6 weeks each.
The statement also says it's important to note there have been no Covid-19 positive cases in any of the HSE Community Nursing Units in Roscommon since the start of the pandemic.
