The fact that no new residents are being accepted in St Mary of the Angels in Beaufort is a clear indication that the government plans to close it, a Kerry TD has said.
Deputy Michael Healy-Rae was commenting on the preferred policy of moving residents into community settings but he insisted that it is wrong that there are plans to close the facility in Beaufort.
He said he is aware that it is government policy but it should be reversed.
Deputy Healy-Rae said Health Service Executive management recognises the massive contribution of St Mary’s of the Angels over the years but their hands are tied unless a policy change is implemented.
“It will be sinful not to allow St Mary’s continue in the coming decades as it is giving a first class residential service,” he said.
In August of last year the St John of God Community Services – who run the facility – deferred their proposed exit from service provision in Kerry and agreed to take part in a sustainability impact assessment with the Health Service Executive.
The HSE had planned to disperse the resident to the community as part of the Time to Move On policy but parents and relatives of those that live in the facility in Whitefield have strenuously objected to that plan.
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