Cork East Fine Gael TD, David Stanton has today (Tuesday) voiced concerns that the future of Cobh Community Hospital may be in doubt.
“Under the recently introduced “Fair Deal” Nursing Home Support Scheme Act changes are being made to the way Community Hospitals and Nursing Homes are being funded. This could result in a dramatic decrease in the funding available to run Cobh Community Hospital. I have tabled parliamentary questions to the Minister for Health and Children asking her to clarify the position.
Cobh Community Hospital is the only nursing home on the island of Cobh serving a population of around 20,000 people. The people of Cobh through the “Friends of Cobh Hospital” have supported their local hospital for decades through fundraising. There is huge emotional attachment to the hospital.
“It would be a very serious matter if the hospital had to close because of changes in funding administration. I am calling on the Minister and the HSE to ensure that adequate funding is made available to keep the Community Hospital open and that time be given for the Community Hospital to adjust to the new funding scheme.