UPDATE: HSE responds to claim that it is reluctant to engage with older residents in Kildare
The allegation was made by a TD representing Kildare South
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has responded to a claim made by a Kildare South TD that the agency is reluctant to engage with older residents in South Kildare.
On Monday, November 3 last, Sinn Féin Deputy Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh welcomed the news that a new nursing unit for St Vincent’s Hospital in Athy would be built.
However, she also claimed there is a "reluctance" from the HSE to "engage with older residents who live in the cottages near the site".
In addition, the Kildare town-based representative sent in a photograph which she said was provided by one of the residents that appeared to show mould inside their home.
Sinn Féin TD Shónagh Ní Raghallaigh. File photograph
And today (November 6), a spokesperson for the HSE (Dublin and Midlands) has responded.
They told the Leader: "The HSE is actively engaging with the residents of McAuley Court housing located on the St Vincent’s Hospital, Athy (SVHA) campus.
"A representative from the SVHA local management team is available to meet with residents to address concerns and maintain ongoing communication, particularly regarding home maintenance."
The spokesperson went on to say that, in recent years, the "occupied homes have benefitted from energy upgrades, improvements to individual property gutter systems and programming of heating system time clock for residents".
They also said that the properties had been inspected by HSE's Estates Department, and that the latest inspection (which was scheduled by HSE Maintenance) took place yesterday (November 5).
"The HSE maintenance team continues to work with occupants of the properties to ensure optimal ventilation is maintained," the spokesperson added.
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