An investment of up to €10 million is urgently required to bring the Sacred Heart Hospital, Roscommon town, up to guidelines set by the Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa), a local councillor has claimed.
Speaking at Monday’s meeting of Roscommon County Council, Cllr. Tony Ward (Independent) said that Hiqa have found that the accomodation and facilities available there are not suitable for the elderly residents.
“They said the care was exemplary – it just the type of accommodation that isn’t suitable,” he told the meeting. “An investment of €8 million or €10 million would be required to bring up to the Hiqa standards.
“It needs a major investment.”
As the building must be brought up to Hiqa requirements by 2016, Cllr. Ward tabled a motion calling on Health Minister Leo Varadkar and the Health Service Executive to provide the necessary funding for its refurbishment.
This was seconded by Cllr. Valerie Byrne – an Independent, who is a member of the Hospital Action Committee – and agreed by members.
