HSE has no plans to remove the chapel at Kanturk Community Hospital

THERE are “no plans to change the chapel” at Kanturk Community Hospital is the stance taken by the HSE.

Concerned families contacted The Corkman after a “curtain was draped down its centre” and a “mooted plan to turn the chapel into a dining room.” However, a HSE spokeswoman informed The Corkman that a temporary curtain was in place recently while fire works were carried out.

“These works have been completed, the curtain is no longer in place and the chapel is in full use and will be used this week for Christmas ceremonies with residents,” stated the HSE spokeswoman.

It was also stated that interim refurbishment works have been underway very recently at Kanturk Community Hospital and some works were needed to comply with fire safety guidelines which were completed last week. There are plans for “further minor works, such as painting and decorating, which will take place in early 2019.”

The HSE spokeswoman said that these works are being carried out in advance of a larger refurbishment project.

“In addition, a planning application for a refurbishment of the entire building is being currently finalised,” she stated.

Separate to the chapel, some families also raised concern that numbers at the facility were “dwindling”. One family member who has a loved one at the facility stated that the maximum capacity is 30 but that the number has dropped to 22.

In response, the HSE spokeswoman said that early this year, the number of beds at the facilty were reduced by seven.

“This was for a number of reasons – for fire safety reasons, to comply with recommendations from HIQA and so that residents had a more comfortable environment. No further reduction is envisaged or planned. Clearly, not all beds are occupied at any one time,” she said.

It was also raised by another family member that there seems to be a “policy of non-engagement” with family members when they ask questions about Kanturk Community Hospital.

However, the HSE spokeswoman in response said that they regret if any resident or family feels they are not being engaged with.

“It does not align with the service we try to provide or to the values we wish to display. Residents are Kanturk Community Hospital are currently being surveyed on thier opinion of the facility.

“As part of this process, any resident with concerns is being invited to contact either the Director of Nursing or a regional manager. The General Manager who has responsiblity for Knturk Community Hospital is due to meet residents and their loved ones at the facility on Monday night,” she said.