THE HEALTH Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed it is not in a position to open a €500,000 health centre in east Clare even though construction of the facility has been completed and the building is ready to be commissioned.
The HSE has blamed the current financial position for the delay, and said it was not in a position to say when the facility, located in the Westbury housing estate close to the Clare/Limerick border, would be opened.
East Clare Labour councillor Pascal Fitzgerald said: “This now leaves the people of the area in complete limbo, with no indication whatsoever as to when the health centre will open.
“It is very disappointing for the families of southeast Clare as they can see this brand new building on the ground on their own doorstep but the doors remain firmly shut and locked.”
The HSE has told Mr Fitzgerald and Labour’s health spokeswoman Jan O’Sullivan: “We acknowledge that this building is ready for commissioning. However, it has not been possible to progress on the commissioning and ultimate opening of this health centre as dedicated funding is not available.”
In reply to a request for information on the status of the facility, local health manager Dr Fergal Flynn told local public representatives: “Given the current financial position, I regret I am unable to advise when the HSE will be in a position to provide services from this building.”
Mr Fitzgerald said, “I know there are budgetary constraints, especially in the present climate, but we believe this much-needed facility must be kept in the forefront of priorities. In the meantime families will have to keep travelling to Shannon and Sixmilebridge or attend the once-weekly visit of the health officer at the parish house in Westbury.
“Having to travel to another part of the county puts an enormous strain on people generally but particularly the elderly.”
He added: “It is ridiculous that the HSE has built a new health centre and left it abandoned while mothers with new-born babies and toddlers have to travel to other parts of the county for health checks.”