commitment on Rehabilitation Unit is long overdue

"Minister for Health’s commitment on Rehabilitation Unit is long overdue" - Murphy

Fianna Fail Deputy for Roscommon/ Galway, Eugene Murphy has welcomed the clarification and commitment by Minister for Health Simon Harris to allocate funding of  over 7 million euro for the development of a new rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital.

Deputy Murphy said that the Minister’s comments which were made at the opening of the new endoscopy unit at the county hospital today, Wednesday were over long due but most welcome.

“I have been vindicated in my stance on the issue of the rehabilitation unit and I constantly kept the pressure on the Minister’s department to clarify his position on the funding. Over 7million euro was approved for the rehabilitation unit at Roscommon Hospital in May of 2015 and the funds were to be included in the 2016/2021 capital programme. Doubt had been cast on the future of the rehab unit as the Minister took some time to clarify his position but thankfully Minister Harris has today given a commitment to move ahead to the planning stage. This ten bedded unit will service the midlands and west of Ireland and the development of the unit was one of the main projects proposed for the campus following on from the closure of the A&E services,” said Deputy Murphy.

The Fianna Fail TD said unfortunately he was unable to be present at the official opening of the new endoscopy unit due to the Dail being recalled in relation to the Apple taxation ruling but a representative was in attendance.

Deputy Murphy also welcomed Minister Harris’ comments in relation to offering a full time contract to newly qualified nurses to allow them to work within the HSE and remain in Ireland. “We have lost so many highly qualified and skilled nurses over the years as they opt for employment options overseas but perhaps some of that brain drain can now be stemmed if newly qualified nurses are offered a contract of full time work with the HSE which will also them to remain in Ireland and ultimately contribute to the economy and help improve the healthcare service,” said Deputy Murphy.