HSE confirms 58 beds closed in Sligo hospital
There are 58 beds currently closed in Sligo General Hospital, Ms Chris Kane, office of the Regional Director of HSE West told this week's meeting of the Regional Health Forum West, in response to a question from Cllr Declan Bree.
Ms Kane said there are 22 beds closed in the right wing Orthopedic unit, 12 closed in the left win orthopedic unit, 4 closed in Surgical North and 20 beds closed in Medical 4
Cllr Bree said he was disappointed to learn that such a large number of beds were still closed in the hospital.
"Eight weeks ago Minister Harney announced that the planning process for the proposed new 96 bedroom extension to Sligo General Hospital will commence this year.
"On the day the Minister made the announcement, 72 beds, almost a quarter of the beds in the hospital, were closed as a result of Government cuts and all elective surgery has been stopped as a result of the same policies. Today 58 beds still remain closed.
"The numbers employed in the hospital have been reduced by 37.7 WTE (whole time equivalents) and these reductions are across all services nursing, medical, support services and clerical staff.
"In this context I find it incredible that any politician would actually suggest that the Government is delivering improved health services to the people of Sligo and the Northwest region.
"Such cutbacks in our health services are unacceptable at a time when the Government can continue to find the money to bail out its banker and developer friends," said Cllr Bree.
