Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice believes the Cuisle facilities at Donamon Castle and its facilities would be ideal for alleviating the pressure on hospital beds that may arise during Coronavirus outbreak.
The Roscommon-Galway representative has called on the HSE and its senior officers to act swiftly and begin negotiations to take the facility over as part of a short-term lease.
Commenting on the matter, he said: “There are approximately 35 en-suite bedrooms located at the Cuisle center at Donamon Castle which would be ideally suited to cater for people who may have to undergo a sustained period of isolation under medical supervision.
“As a result of the Coronavirus outbreak, it is likely that hospitals will come under pressure in the coming weeks as we try to bring the virus under control.
“Obviously, it is critical for the general public to adhere to the protocols being advised by health care professionals to prevent the spread of the disease.
“But if the Cuisle center at Donamon Castle was utilised by the HSE, along with other suitable locations around the country, it would mean that there would be dedicated places for people who have been diagnosed with the virus to attend – rather than increasing the risk of it spreading to patients who hadn’t got it in regular hospitals.
“This is a common-sense approach which can be put in place now which would have significant benefits moving forward.
“We can be proactive now and reduce the potential for the virus to spread, or we can wait until the horse has already bolted before we take action and be reduced to chasing our tails.
“I am willing and available to work closely with the HSE if I can be of assistance in securing the Cuisle facilities in Donamon Castle for a period of 6 months or so, while the country as a whole overcomes this outbreak,” Fitzmaurice concluded.
Michael Fitzmaurice TD 086-1914565