UPDATE: HSE says it is ‘confident’ that agreement has been reached for Kildare-based hospital

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responded to critical comments which were made by councillors at a recent Kildare County Council meeting.

Specificially, the HSE's Dublin and Midlands division has said that it is "confident" that an agreement has been reached in the matter.

The topic was heard earlier this week during the latest Athy Municipal District (MD) meeting, which took place on Monday, June 16 last.

During this meeting, a motion was submitted in relation to St Vincent's Hospital in Athy, which prompted three different councillors (one of whom is the Mayor of the MD) to criticise the HSE. 

Later that day, the Leinster Leader asked the HSE for comment, but the organisation did not respond in time for publication the following day (Tuesday, June 17 last).

Now, a spokesperson for the HSE's Dublin and Midlands division has told the Leader: "The HSE can confirm that discussions with Kildare County Council and the relevant housing body are actively progressing regarding the proposed transfer of the independent senior living units at McAuley Court, St Vincent’s Hospital, Athy campus.

"The terms of the conveyance are now at an advanced stage between the relevant parties."

They added: "Transactions of this nature require the engagement of multiple stakeholders, given the complexity of a live hospital campus undergoing ongoing development works; therefore, processes can be intricate, requiring extended timeframes to conclude.

"The HSE is confident that a mutual agreement has been reached, and all parties are working collaboratively to bring the transaction to a satisfactory conclusion."

The spokesperson concluded: "The HSE’s primary priorities remain the safety, well-being, and experience of our patients and service users."

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