Uncertainty over Toghermore staff is fuelling ‘despicable’ situation
By JACQUELINE HOGGE SENIOR HSE management has been lambasted by members of Tuam Town Council for the way in which it has handled the future of Toghermore House. The matter was raised at the monthly council meeting where several members criticised the ongoing uncertainty regarding the long-term future of residential services at the centre. The meeting was addressed by Derek Cassidy, who said the Save Toghermore House action group was concerned at speculation that senior clinical staff would be moved from the facility. â€Å“It is strongly rumoured that plans are under way to transfer the most senior clinical staff from Toghermore House,â€Â he said. [private] â€Å“These personnel have been there for years and are very important to the residents and their families and put their patients first always. This is very worrying and alarming and it seems that anyone who objects to the HSEâ€â„¢s plans, that have defended the residents and that would be seen as in the way, will be replaced by the HSEâ€â„¢s own â€Ëœyesâ€â„¢ crew.â€Â Cllr Pat Oâ€â„¢Hora described the situation as â€Å“despicableâ€Â and said the latest development concerning the transfer of clinical staff from the facility was adding to the stress for patients and their families. â€Å“A huge amount of stress and uncertainty is being created by management, who seem to be moving staff almost in retribution for what has happened in recent months,â€Â he said. Derek Cassidy added that the only information the action group were getting was from the media. Nothing in writing â€Å“We have heard nothing back in writing in regard to details about the long term future of the house for the residents and the services which it provides like crisis intervention and respite care,â€Â he said. â€Å“The only information we have is that which we are getting through the media that a review is to be held into mental health services in the west. First it was fire safety issues and now itâ€â„¢s a complete review.â€Â Cllr Tom Reilly said it was time political pressure was applied on the Minister for Health, Dr James Reilly, to clarify the situation for patients, their families and the wider community. â€Å“I think we should also write directly to Minister Reilly as the buck stops with him on this,â€Â he said. â€Å“I would ask everyone with political clout to inform James Reilly of what is going on in relation to Toghermore House.â€Â Cllr Reilly was also critical of Catherine Cunningham, area manager of HSE West, for her handling of the matter. â€Å“I propose that we write to Catherine Cunningham for an update on the situation at Toghermore,â€Â he said. â€Å“Itâ€â„¢s absolutely ridiculous the way peopleâ€â„¢s lives are being put in jeopardy â€Å“When management didnâ€â„¢t get away with their plan in December they brought in a plan B. â€Å“This manager has been brought in to do a clean-up and clean-out job and I make no apologies for saying she should hang her head in shame at the way these people have been treated.â€Â A meeting between the HSE and Galway Eastâ€â„¢s public representatives is due to be held on March 22, after an original meeting was deferred last month. Derek Cassidy urged the council members to do all in their power to prevent closure from happening. â€Å“There is still a lot of work going on in the background and I would urge each and everyone of you to again do whatever you can to help secure the future of Toghrmore House for the residents and the very important services which it provides.[/private]