Progress on new respite facility for north Louth

THE respite service currently offered by St. John of God, Drumcar will be transferred to a new community based setting in north Louth by the end of the year, the HSE confirmed this week.

Pat Bennett, Chief officer Midlands Louth Meath CHO responded to queries from Louth TD Fergus O’Dowd in relation to the provision of respite in the north east.

‘ The new respite facility at Bower House Balbriggan opened on Monday 9th April, which caters for young adults with autism and challenging behaviour.’

He explained that this facility will provide three beds for Midlands Louth Meath CHO specifically to service users living in Louth and Meath.

The HSE executive also confirmed that the current respite service provided by the St. John of God will transfer to a new service provider in a community setting.

‘ The tender for the new four bed house in Louth will be circulated in the coming weeks with a view to commencing the service by the end of the fourth quarter of 2018.’

The new Louth facility is expected to be in a premises in Dundalk, which has long been mooted as ideal for respite care.

He also responded to concerns about access to children’s speech and language therapy appointments at St. Mary’s Special School. He confirmed that recruitment difficulties meant the service is being transferred to the HSE Progressive Disabilities Team.