A large protest was held in Abbeyleix, Co Laois, today over the planned closure of the Abbeyleix Community Nursing Unit by the HSE.
The march, which was organised by the Abbeyleix & District Hospital Action Committee, departed from the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel at 2pm. According to reports, some 4,000 people took part in the demonstration.
Elderly residents at the unit have vowed to fight against the proposed closure of the facility.
A number of residents have brought a High Court challenge to the HSE’s “unilateral” and “devastating” decision to close the unit for financial reasons.
The Health Service Executive has decided to close the unit because of funding and staffing issues and envisaged future problems in meeting standards set out by the Health Information and Quality Authority.
However, Brian Maher, chairman of the Abbeyleix & District Hospital Action Committee, said the unit had survived tougher economic times in the past.
Minister for Health Dr James Reilly has said the 28 long-term residents would be moved to another facility.