Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry has expressed his disappointment at the failure of the government and the HSE to communicate in a transparent and co-ordinated fashion with residents and patients of St. Mary of the Angels and St. John of God.
Teachta Daly said that last year, when St. John of God Community Services issued notice to terminate its contract with the HSE, and to withdraw as the service provider of St. Marys of the Angels accordingly, he wrote to Minister Rabbitte asking for a transparent plan for all the families and residents involved.
Processes In Place
“Minister Rabbitte assured me that there were processes in place to ensure continuity and stability of the service provision and that these would be underpinned by the contracts in place between the HSE and St. John of Gods,” said Teachta Daly.
“There was an expectation that the process to transfer provision of the services, including the putting in place of suitable arrangements would take approximately 18 months from the date of the announcement,” he continued.
Families Deeply Concerned
“This past week I have been in touch with numerous families who are deeply concerned at reports that St. John of God Community Services said they are looking to sell off assets and properties to meet their debts. This of course puts St. Mary of the Angels at risk.
“In the decades since St. Mary of the Angels has been in operation, and when ownership and management of the facility was given to St. John of God Community Services, the families were promised that the future of St. Marys of the Angels would be guaranteed.
Community Fundraising
“Both St. John of God and St. Mary of the Angels have benefitted from fundraising by the communities they serve.
St. Mary of the Angels has received fundraising and grants to fund the cost of additional bedrooms, living spaces, grounds and building updates and more.
“This beautiful property is a unique resource in a sylvan setting that has provided assistance to some of the most vulnerable in our community over the years. It is more than a home to its residents.
Visionary and Pioneering
“I am calling on government and the HSE to assure the families and residents that St.Mary of the Angels will not be traded as an asset in the process of this transition.
“The families and residents deserve to be part of this discussion and to be assured that this beautiful campus-based service, once seen as visionary and pioneering in community care, will be allowed to continue the tremendous work it has been doing for over fifty years,” said Teachta Daly in conclusion.
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