Public health nurse to be retained at Fahan health centre after backlash

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has confirmed that the public health nurse will not be moved from Fahan health centre and services will continue to be provided there.

The move follows a backlash against plans to relocate the nurse from Fahan to Buncrana.

The centre serves the communities of Burnfoot, Inch, Tooban, Magherabeg and Fahan and there was concern that the removal of the service would impact on older people who would not be able to travel to Buncrana.

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Local councillor Jack Murray had written to the HSE asking for the decision to be reversed.

“This will come as a massive relief to all those from Bridgend to Lisfannon, and everywhere in between, who rely on this service,” he said. 

“Thanks to everyone in the local community who signed the petition, contacted the HSE and who phoned into Greg Hughes on Highland Radio to create public awareness about this issue. Particular thanks to Carmel Lynch and Chiara Boyle for creating the petition and for rallying the troops. This is a fantastic victory for the local community who made a stand.”

Cllr Murray had pointed out that local home care staff regularly avail of this service to quickly obtain medical supplies for those in the area. “Forcing them to travel to Buncrana would stretch their time further, and would scale back the provision of care in the area.”

An HSE spokeswoman said there are no plans to move the public health nurse from Fahan health centre and that public health nurse services continue to be provided in the health centre.

“There are no plans at present to close any other health centres,” she added.