Nash concerns as Bettystown Health Centre delayed
SENATOR Ged Nash has said serious questions must be answered by government and the HSE over the ‘serious delays’ in developing the proposed new Bettystown Primary Care Centre.
He said, “This long anticipated project was originally meant to open in late 2015.
“But the centre, which will ultimately house GPs, public health nurses, counselling, Occupational Therapy, Speech & Language therapy and a range of other important primary care services has been the subject of enormous delays and foot-dragging.
“I recently contacted the HSE to establish when the centre will be opened only to be told that, in essence, the project process has had to start all over again.
“I am extremely concerned to have been informed that the HSE Estates Division has recently re-advertised for the provision of the Primary Care Centre in Bettystown, after many false starts.
“I am informed that several ‘expressions of interest’ have recently been received and that it is expected that a site and a ‘preferred provider’ will be selected this summer to allow for a planning application to be submitted this year.
“I am extremely concerned that no firm timeline has been provided by the HSE and I fear that it will be many years before the people in the East Meath area will receive the services they need in the community.
“I will keep the pressure on the government and the HSE to deliver this long-awaited project for the area as a matter of urgency,’ he stated.