“Operational issues” being finalised before opening of €31.76m Ballyshannon Community Hospital

The HSE have confirmed that while it is expected that the new South Donegal Community Hospital located at the old Sheil Hospital in Ballyshannon, will be opened soon, there are a number of “operational issues” being addressed.
They said that requisite HIQA documentation relating to new railings on a roof garden, that were recommended by HIQA and since heightened, are now almost complete.
Following a number of queries from Donegal Democrat/Donegal Live as to why the new  €31.76 million facility located at the site of the old Sheil Hospital remained closed, despite public open days on the August Bank Holiday weekend, they have clarified a number of queries raised:
“Ballyshannon Community Hospital, once operational, will have 52 long stay beds, 20 short stay beds providing, convalescence, rehabilitation, respite and palliative care beds, 8 Dementia specific assessment beds and a Day Hospital Service,” they said.
It also indicated that a number of operational issues were being address with staff.
They responded: “It is expected that the Hospital will be operational very shortly, albeit there are a number of operational issues currently being finalised with the staff representative bodies(Unions).
“The Hospital awaits the HIQA Registration documentation, which is at final stages and expected within the coming days.
Regarding nursing concerns that had raised over staff shortfalls, the HSE said:

(ABOVE: What was the main entrance to the older Sheil Hospital has now been restored and incorporated into the new €31.76m community hospital build. PHOTO: Michael McHugh)   

“From a staffing perspective, HR/IR, the HSE has been invited to attend the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) to conclude any residual issues from a staffing perspective.

“We are hopeful that the WRC will provide a mechanism to resolve any outstanding Union / Management requirements and a lot of progress has been made to date across a number of areas .
“Recruitment has also been very positive with a lot of interest shown. We continue to establish panels for the new hospital and are very much looking forward to the opening of this wonderful new facility.

Railing heights
Regarding the railing issues that had been raised by HIQA, they responded:
“The HIQA inspection that was carried out on the new hospital required that the railings on the roof garden be altered to attain a higher height.
“Although initial construction of the railings was installed in accordance with building regulations, taking HIQA’s recommendation into account, the HSE decided to increase the height of the railings. These alterations are underway and for completion shortly.”

(ABOVE: The New Community Hospital during its construction. Photo: Michael McHugh)

Staffing and recruitment
Asked about whether a nursing recruitment campaign had taken place in India for additional staff they said:
“In relation to the nursing recruitment both local and international recruitment has taken place and there are panels available to the Hospital.
“It is anticipated the required number of nurses will be available as the hospital becomes operational on a phased basis. A number of international nurses are also joining Older Persons Services across the County.”
Responding to the movement of Rock Hospital patients to the new hospital and concerns raised about potential staffing issues in the new hospital, they said:
“The Residents and Staff are looking forward to the move to the new Community Hospital, once the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) recommendations are finalised.
HSE Management are satisfied the staffing levels are appropriate to high quality patient care.”
Finally in relation to any issues relating to the road link over to the Market Yard they confirmed that it will have no bearing on the hospital opening.